Staple cartridges with atraumatic features

ABSTRACT

A staple cartridge comprises an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity. The at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple that includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position. The staple cartridge includes an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity. At least one pocket extender protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position. The inner tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the outer tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a contoured frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to tissue.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including aninterchangeable surgical tool assembly in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a handle assembly of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1, with a portion of the handle housing omitted toexpose components housed therein;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assemblyof the surgical instrument of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-4 with a grip portion of the handle assembly shown in solidlines in one position relative to a primary housing portion and inphantom lines in another position relative to the primary housingportion of the handle assembly;

FIG. 6 is an end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIGS.2-5 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-6 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-7 showing a shifter gear in meshing engagement with a drive gearon a rotary drive socket;

FIG. 9 is another end cross-sectional view of the handle assembly ofFIGS. 2-8 showing the position of a shifter solenoid when the shiftergear is in meshing engagement with the drive gear on the rotary drivesocket;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the handle assembly of FIGS. 2-9with certain portions thereof shown in cross-section and with an accesspanel portion thereof shown in phantom;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the handle assembly of FIGS. 2-11 with abailout system shown in an actuatable position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bailout handle of the bailout systemdepicted in FIGS. 2-11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the bailout handleof FIG. 12 with portions thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the handle assembly ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of an interchangeable tool assemblyin accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the interchangeable tool assembly ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the interchangeabletool assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the interchangeable toolassembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an articulation block of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an articulation jointof the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15 including thearticulation block of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the articulationjoint of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a partial exploded view of the interchangeable tool assemblyof FIG. 15;

FIG. 23 is another partial exploded view of the interchangeable toolassembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 24 is a partial exploded view of the articulation joint of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the proximal end of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 26 is an end view of the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15 taken along line 27-27 in FIG.26 illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15 taken along line 28-28 in FIG.26 illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15 taken along line 29-29 in FIG.26 illustrating the end effector in a clamped, but unfired condition;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of theinterchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 15 illustrated in a disassembledcondition;

FIG. 31 illustrates the end effector of the interchangeable toolassembly of FIG. 15 articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 32 illustrates the end effector of the interchangeable toolassembly of FIG. 15 articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a cartridge body of the interchangeabletool assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a cartridge body in accordance with atleast one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of an end effector of an interchangeabletool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a disassembled view of the end effector of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a disassembled view of an end effector of an interchangeabletool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a disassembled view of an end effector of an interchangeabletool assembly in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating a staple cartridge and ashaft of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridgeassembled to the stapling instrument of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a closure drive, an anvil, and a lockoutconfigured to prevent the anvil from being assembled to the closuredrive if the closure drive is not in a fully-extended position;

FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 41 illustrating the anvil attached to the closuredrive;

FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a staple cartridge and a closure drive configured to move ananvil relative to the staple cartridge;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument ofFIG. 43 illustrating a lockout configured to prevent the closure drivefrom being retracted without the anvil being attached to the closuredrive;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument ofFIG. 44 illustrating the anvil attached to the closure drive and thelockout disengaged from the closure drive;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removablestored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvilrelative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to ejectthe staples from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 47 is a detail view of a lockout configured to prevent the firingdrive from being actuated prior to the anvil being moved into a closedposition;

FIG. 48 is a detail view of the lockout of FIG. 47 disengaged from thefiring drive;

FIG. 49 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a staple cartridge including staples removable storedtherein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relativeto the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 50 is a detail view of a lockout of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 49 configured to prevent the firing drive from beingactuated prior to the anvil applying a sufficient pressure to tissuecaptured between the anvil and the staple cartridge;

FIG. 51 is a detail view of the lockout of FIG. 50 disengaged from thefiring drive;

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a staple cartridge including staples removable storedtherein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relativeto the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 53 is a detail view of a lockout of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 52 configured to prevent the anvil from beingdetached from the closure drive while a cutting member of the firingdrive is exposed above the staple cartridge;

FIG. 54 is a detail view of the lockout of FIG. 53 disengaged from theanvil after the firing drive has been sufficiently retracted after afiring stroke;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removablestored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvilrelative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to ejectthe staples from the staple cartridge;

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 55 illustrating the closure drive in a clampedconfiguration and the firing drive in an unfired configuration, whereinthe firing drive is holding a lockout in an unreleased configuration;

FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 55 illustrating the firing drive in an at leastpartially-fired configuration and the lockout of FIG. 56 in a releasedconfiguration;

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 55 illustrating the closure drive in an extended, oropen, configuration and the lockout of FIG. 56 engaged with the closuredrive to prevent the closure drive from being re-clamped;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a staple cartridge including staples removable storedtherein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvil relativeto the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to eject thestaples from the staple cartridge which is illustrated in a disabled, orlocked out, configuration;

FIG. 59A is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 59 taken along line 59A-59A in FIG. 59;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling instrument ofFIG. 59 illustrated in a clamped configuration in which the firing drivehas been enabled;

FIG. 60A is a cross-sectional end view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 59 taken along line 60A-60A in FIG. 60;

FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a staple cartridge including staples removablestored therein, an anvil, a closure drive configured to move the anvilrelative to the staple cartridge, and a firing drive configured to ejectthe staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the closure drive isillustrated in an unclamped configuration and the firing drive isillustrated in an inoperable configuration;

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical staplinginstrument of FIG. 61 with the closure drive illustrated in a clampedconfiguration and the firing drive is illustrated in an operableconfiguration;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a rotatable intermediate drive memberof the firing drive of the surgical instrument of FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a rotatable firing shaft of thefiring drive of the surgical instrument of FIG. 61;

FIG. 65 is an elevational view of a spring system configured to bias thefiring shaft of FIG. 64 out of engagement with the intermediate drivemember of FIG. 63;

FIG. 66 is an exploded view of an end effector of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a staple cartridge in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66illustrating a lockout configured to prevent the end effector from beingoperated if the staple cartridge is not fully assembled to the staplinginstrument;

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66illustrating the lockout in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 69 is an exploded view of an end effector of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising a staple cartridge in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69illustrating a lock configured to releasably hold the staple cartridgeto the stapling instrument;

FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69illustrating the lock in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 72 illustrates a shaft of a surgical stapling instrument configuredto be used with a staple cartridge selected from a plurality of circularstaple cartridges;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of the staplinginstrument of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument comprising an unfired staple cartridge and a lockout systemconfigured to prevent the staple cartridge from being re-fired after ithas been previously fired by a firing drive of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument ofFIG. 74 illustrated in a clamped configuration and the firing drive in afired configuration;

FIG. 76 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling instrument ofFIG. 74 illustrated in an unclamped configuration and the firing drivein a retracted configuration;

FIG. 77 is an end view of the firing drive and a frame of the staplinginstrument of FIG. 74 illustrating the firing drive in an unfiredconfiguration;

FIG. 78 is an end view of the firing drive and the frame of the staplinginstrument of FIG. 74 illustrating the firing drive in a retractedconfiguration;

FIG. 79 is an end view of an alternative staple cartridge design that isusable with the stapling instrument of FIG. 74;

FIG. 80 is an end view of an alternative staple cartridge design that isusable with the stapling instrument of FIG. 74;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a flexible shaft in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 82 is a schematic of a surgical instrument kit comprising aplurality of end effectors in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 82A is a schematic of a robotic surgical instrument systemcomprising a plurality of attachable end effectors in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of several end effectors depicted in FIG.82;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of an anvil in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil of FIG. 84;

FIG. 86 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector includingthe anvil of FIG. 84 illustrated in a fired configuration;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of an anvil in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 88 is a plan view of the anvil of FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance withat least one embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfired configuration;

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 89illustrated in a fired configuration;

FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance withat least one alternative embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfiredconfiguration;

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 91illustrated in a fired configuration;

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector in accordance withat least one alternative embodiment illustrated in a clamped, unfiredconfiguration;

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 91illustrated in a fired configuration;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a staple forming pocket in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket of FIG.95;

FIG. 97 is an exploded view of an end effector in accordance with atleast one embodiment configured to sequentially deploy a first annularrow of staples and a second annular row of staples;

FIG. 98 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 97illustrating a firing driver deploying a staple in the first row ofstaples;

FIG. 99 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 97illustrating the firing driver of FIG. 98 deploying a staple in thesecond row of staples;

FIG. 100 is a partial perspective view of a firing drive configured tosequentially drive a first driver for firing a first row of staples, asecond driver for firing a second row of staples, and then a thirddriver for driving a cutting member;

FIG. 101 is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of FIG. 100illustrating the first driver in a fired position;

FIG. 102 is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of FIG. 100illustrating the second driver in a fired position;

FIG. 103 is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of FIG. 100illustrating the third driver in a fired position;

FIG. 104 is an exploded view of the firing drive of FIG. 100;

FIG. 105 is a partial perspective view of the firing drive of FIG. 100in the configuration of FIG. 103;

FIG. 106 is an exploded view of a firing drive in accordance with atleast one alternative embodiment;

FIG. 107 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staplecartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 108 depicts a pair of staples in accordance with at least oneembodiment in unformed and formed configurations;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 107 prior toactuation of the staple forming process;

FIG. 110 is another cross-sectional view of the anvil of FIG. 109 andthe staple cartridge of FIG. 107 after the staples have been formed;

FIG. 111 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical staplecartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 111 prior toactuation of the staple forming process;

FIG. 113 is another cross-sectional view of the anvil and staplecartridge of FIG. 112 after the staples have been formed;

FIG. 114 is a top view of a staple cartridge in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 115 is a bottom view of an anvil in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an anvil in relationto a portion of a surgical staple cartridge;

FIG. 117 depicts three unformed surgical staples;

FIG. 118 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a staplecartridge of a circular stapler in accordance with at least oneembodiment; and

FIG. 119 illustrates a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge ofa circular stapler in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR        OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR        SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE        DISPLAY FIELD;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY        POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT        SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL        CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE        MEMBER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,283, entitled CLOSURE        SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICES        WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FIRING SHAFTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled        INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END        EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF        TISSUE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING INSTRUMENT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES        HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL        MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR        STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL;

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END        EFFECTOR;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY        CONSTRAINT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE        RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK        ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN        ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM        ARRANGEMENTS; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL        END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL        END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE        FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM        STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION        SUPPORT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL        ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE        SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL        ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED        SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE        LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE        TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR        MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID        MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE        TISSUE COMPRESSION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING        SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED        SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME        DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY,        CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled        INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL        TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH        SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART        SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR        DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A        SURGICAL STAPLER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND        POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL        APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER        OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE        BAND;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL        CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE        BATTERIES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING        SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A        BATTERY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR        MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED        BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER        ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE        SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR        STAPLING ASSEMBLY; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL        APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND        MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE        ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING        ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE        SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A        DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING        BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING        BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM;        and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR        SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication        No. 2014/0246471;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY        POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL        SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled        ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246474;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE        PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK        SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0246477;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR        STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246479;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL        METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT        PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0246475;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY        POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246473; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Patent Application Publication        No. 2014/0246476.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL        ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263537;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled        INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0263564;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION        LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR        ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0263538;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled        MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE        SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled        ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0263553;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE        TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263543; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND        SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL        SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application        Publication No. 2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER        MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled        STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application        Publication No. 2015/0272581;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled        VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER        MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE        UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2015/0272574;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR        POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK        ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE        SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR        SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS        AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER        MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE        PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2015/0280424;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY        AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT        WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING        DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE        SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR        INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2016/0066909;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled USE OF        POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART        CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE        MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL        DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR        DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE        OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE        OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED        LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication        No. 2014/0309666;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled        TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR        MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR        ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED        SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0309665;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE        SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR        MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION        ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365,        entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED        BY A SINGLE MOTOR;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376,        entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382,        entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385,        entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION        MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372,        entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED        BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgicalstapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured topermit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to theshaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axisextending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments areenvisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used toperform a variety of different surgical procedures. In the illustratedembodiment, the motor driven surgical system 10 comprises a selectivelyreconfigurable housing or handle assembly 20 that is attached to oneform of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. For example, thesystem 10 that is depicted in FIG. 1 includes an interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000 that comprises a surgical cutting andfastening instrument which may be referred to as an endocutter. As willbe discussed in further detail below, the interchangeable surgical toolassemblies may include end effectors that are adapted to supportdifferent sizes and types of staple cartridges and, have different shaftlengths, sizes, and types, etc. Such arrangements, for example, mayutilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. Forinstance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fastenersremovably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attachedto the end effector of a surgical tool assembly. Other surgical toolassemblies may be interchangeably employed with the handle assembly 20.For example, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may bedetached from the handle assembly 20 and replaced with a differentsurgical tool assembly that is configured to perform other surgicalprocedures. In other arrangements, the surgical tool assembly may not beinterchangeable with other surgical tool assemblies and essentiallycomprise a dedicated shaft that is non-removably affixed or coupled tothe handle assembly 20, for example. The surgical tool assemblies mayalso be referred to as elongate shaft assemblies. The surgical toolassemblies may be reusable or, in other configurations, the surgicaltool assemblies may be designed to be disposed of after a single use.

As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood thatthe various forms of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies disclosedherein may also be effectively employed in connection withrobotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the terms “housing” and“housing assembly” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of arobotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least onedrive system that is configured to generate and apply at least onecontrol motion which could be used to actuate the elongate shaftassemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term“frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. Theterm “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlledsurgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may beused to operably control a surgical instrument. For example, thesurgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with variousrobotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as, but notlimited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0298719 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing assembly or handle assembly20 comprises a primary housing portion 30 that may be formed from a pairof housing segments 40, 70 that may be fabricated from plastic, polymermaterials, metal, etc. and be joined together by an appropriate fastenerarrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fit features,snap-fit features, latches, etc. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, the primary housing portion 30 operably supports a plurality ofdrive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply variouscontrol motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly that is operably attached thereto. The handleassembly 20 further comprises a grip portion 100 that is movably coupledto the primary housing portion 30 and is configured to be gripped andmanipulated by the clinician in various positions relative to theprimary housing portion 30. The grip portion 100 may be fabricated froma pair of grip segments 110, 120 that may be fabricated from plastic,polymer materials, metal, etc. and are joined together by an appropriatefastener arrangement such as, for example, adhesive, screws, press-fitfeatures, snap-fit features, latches, etc. for assembly and maintenancepurposes.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the grip portion 100 comprises a grip housing130 that defines a hollow cavity 132 that is configured to operablysupport a drive motor and gearbox which will be discussed in furtherdetail below. The upper portion 134 of the grip housing 130 isconfigured to extend through an opening 80 in the primary housingportion 30 and be pivotally journaled on a pivot shaft 180. The pivotshaft 180 defines a pivot axis designated as “PA”. See FIG. 3. Forreference purposes, the handle assembly 20 defines a handle axisdesignated as “HA” that may be parallel to the shaft axis “SA” of theelongate shaft assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool that isoperably attached to the handle assembly 20. The pivot axis PA istransverse to the handle axis HA. See FIG. 1. Such arrangement enablesthe grip portion 100 to be pivoted relative to the primary housingportion 30 about the pivot axis PA to a position that is best suited forthe type of interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupled tothe handle assembly 20. The grip housing 130 defines a grip axis,generally designated as “GA”. See FIG. 2. When the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly 20comprises an endocutter for example, the clinician might want toposition the grip portion 100 relative to the primary housing portion 30such that the grip axis GA is perpendicular or approximatelyperpendicular (angle “H1”) to the handle axis HA (referred to herein asa “first grip position”). See FIG. 5. However, if the handle assembly 20is being used to control an interchangeable surgical tool assembly thatcomprises a circular stapler for example, the clinician may wish topivot the grip portion 100 relative to the primary housing portion 30 toa position wherein the grip axis GA is at a forty-five degree orapproximately forty-five degree angle or other suitable acute angle(angle “H2”) relative to the handle axis HA. This position is referredto herein as a “second grip position”. FIG. 5 illustrates the gripportion 100 in phantom lines in the second grip position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the handle assembly 20 also includes a griplocking system, generally designated as 150, for selectively locking thegrip portion 100 in the desired orientation relative to the primaryhousing portion 30. In one arrangement, the grip locking system 150comprises an arcuate series 152 of pointed teeth 154. The teeth 154 arespaced from each other and form a locking groove 156 therebetween. Eachlocking groove 156 corresponds to a particular angular locking positionfor the grip portion 100. For example, in at least one arrangement, theteeth 154 and locking grooves or “locking locations” 156 are arranged topermit the grip portion 100 to be locked at 10-15 degree intervalsbetween the first grip position and the second grip position. Thearrangement may employ two stop positions which are tailored to the typeof instrument (shaft arrangement) employed. For example, for anendocutter shaft arrangement, it may be approximately around ninetydegrees to the shaft and for a circular stapler arrangement, the anglemay be approximately forty-five degrees to the shaft while being sweptforward towards the surgeon. The grip locking system 150 furtherincludes a locking button 160 that has a locking portion that isconfigured to lockingly engage the locking grooves 156. For example, thelocking button 160 is pivotally mounted in the primary handle portion 30on a pivot pin 131 to permit the locking button 160 to pivot intoengagement with a corresponding locking groove 156. A locking spring 164serves to bias the locking button 160 into an engaged or locked positionwith the corresponding locking groove 156. The locking portion and theteeth configurations serve to enable the teeth 154 to slide past thelocking portion when the clinician depresses the locking button 160.Thus, to adjust the angular position of the grip portion 100 relative tothe primary housing portion 30, the clinician depresses the lockingbutton 160 and then pivots the grip portion 100 to the desired angularposition. Once the grip portion 100 has been moved to the desiredposition, the clinician releases the locking button 160. The lockingspring 164 will then bias the locking button 160 toward the series ofteeth 154 so that the locking portion enters the corresponding lockinggroove 156 to retain the grip portion 100 in that position during use.

The handle assembly 20 operably supports a first rotary drive system300, a second rotary drive system 320 and a third axial drive system400. The rotary drive systems 300, 320 are each powered by a motor 200that is operably supported in the grip portion 100. As can be seen inFIG. 2, for example, the motor 200 is supported within the cavity 132 inthe grip portion 100 and has a gear box assembly 202 that has an outputdrive shaft 204 protruding therefrom. In various forms, the motor 200may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of,approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motormay include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, astepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 200 maybe powered by a power source 210 that, in one form, may comprise aremovable power pack 212. The power source 210 may comprise, forexample, anyone of the various power source arrangements disclosed infurther detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575and entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In theillustrated arrangement, for example, the power pack 212 may comprise aproximal housing portion 214 that is configured for attachment to adistal housing portion 216. The proximal housing portion 214 and thedistal housing portion 216 are configured to operably support aplurality of batteries 218 therein. Batteries 218 may each comprise, forexample, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distalhousing portion 216 is configured for removable operable attachment to ahandle circuit board assembly 220 which is also operably coupled to themotor 200. The handle circuit board assembly 220 may also be generallyreferred to herein as the “control system or CPU 224”. A number ofbatteries 218 may be connected in series may be used as the power sourcefor the handle assembly 20. In addition, the power source 210 may bereplaceable and/or rechargeable. In other embodiments, the surgicalinstrument 10 may be powered by alternating current (AC) for example.The motor 200 may be controlled by a rocker switch 206 that is mountedto the grip portion 100.

As outlined above, the motor 200 is operably coupled to a gear boxassembly 202 that includes an output drive shaft 204. Attached to theoutput drive shaft 204 is a driver bevel gear 230. The motor 200, thegear box assembly 202, the output drive shaft 204 and the driver bevelgear 230 may also be collectively referred to herein as a “motorassembly 231”. The driver bevel gear 230 interfaces with a driven bevelgear 234 that is attached to a system drive shaft 232 as well as a pivotbevel gear 238 that is journaled on the pivot shaft 180. The drivenbevel gear 234 is axially movable on the system drive shaft 232 betweenan engaged position wherein the driven bevel gear 234 is in meshingengagement with the driver bevel gear 230 (FIG. 5) and a disengagedposition wherein the driven bevel gear 234 is out of meshing engagementwith the drive bevel gear 230 (FIG. 14). A drive system spring 235 isjournaled between the driven bevel gear 234 and a proximal end flange236 that is formed on a proximal portion of the system drive shaft 232.See FIGS. 4 and 14. The drive system spring 235 serves to bias thedriven bevel gear 234 out of meshing engagement with the driver bevelgear 230 as will be discussed in further detail below. The pivot bevelgear 238 facilitates pivotal travel of the output drive shaft 204 anddriver bevel gear 230 with the grip portion 100 relative to the primaryhandle portion 30.

In the illustrated example, the system drive shaft 232 interfaces with arotary drive selector system, generally designated as 240. In at leastone form, for example, the rotary drive selector system 240 comprises ashifter gear 250 that is selectively movable between the first rotarydrive system 300 and the second rotary drive system 320. As can be seenin FIGS. 6-9, for example, the drive selector system 240 comprises ashifter mounting plate 242 that is non-movably mounted within primaryhandle portion 30. For example, the shifter mounting plate 242 may befrictionally retained between mounting lugs (not shown) formed in thehousing segments 40, 70 or be otherwise retained therein by screws,adhesive, etc. Still referring to FIGS. 6-9, the system drive shaft 232extends through a hole in the shifter mounting plate 242 and has thecentral, or system, drive gear 237 non-rotatably attached thereto. Forexample the central drive gear 237 may be attached to the system driveshaft 232 by a keyway arrangement 233. See FIGS. 6-9. In otherarrangements, the system drive shaft 232 may be rotatably supported inthe shifter mounting plate 242 by a corresponding bearing (not shown)that is mounted thereto. In any event, rotation of the system driveshaft 232 will result in rotation of the central drive gear 234.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first drive system 300 includes a firstdrive socket 302 that is rotatably supported in a distal wall 32 formedin the primary handle portion 30. The first drive socket 302 maycomprise a first body portion 304 that has a splined socket formedtherein. A first driven gear 306 is formed on or is non-movably attachedto the first body portion 304. The first body portion 304 may berotatably supported in a corresponding hole or passage provided thedistal wall 32 or it may be rotatably supported in a correspondingbearing (not shown) that is mounted in the distal wall 32. Similarly,the second rotary drive system 320 includes a second drive socket 322that is also rotatably supported in the distal wall 32 of the primaryhandle portion 30. The second drive socket 322 may comprise a secondbody portion 324 that has a splined socket formed therein. A seconddriven gear 326 is formed on or is non-rotatably mounted to the secondbody portion 324. The second body portion 324 may be rotatably supportedin a corresponding hole or passage provided the distal wall 32 or it maybe rotatably supported in a corresponding bearing (not shown) that ismounted in the distal wall 32. The first and second drive sockets 302,322 are spaced from each other on each lateral side of the handle axisHA. See FIG. 4, for example.

As indicated above, in the illustrated example, the rotary driveselector system 240 includes a shifter gear 250. As can be seen in FIGS.6-9, the shifter gear 250 is rotatably mounted on an idler shaft 252that is movably supported in an arcuate slot 244 in the shifter mountingplate 242. The shifter gear 250 is mounted so as to freely rotate on theidler shaft 252 and remain in meshing engagement with the central drivegear 234. The idler shaft 252 is coupled to an end of a shaft 262 of ashifter solenoid 260. The shifter solenoid 260 is pinned or otherwisemounted with the primary handle housing 30 such that when the shiftersolenoid 260 is actuated, the shifter gear 250 is moved into meshingengagement with one of the first driven gear 306 or the second drivengear 326. For example, in one arrangement, when the solenoid shaft is262 is retracted (FIGS. 6 and 7), the shifter gear 250 is in meshingengagement with the central drive gear 234 and the first driven gear 306such that actuation of the motor 200 will result in rotation of thefirst drive socket 302. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a shifterspring 266 may be employed to bias the shifter gear 250 into that firstactuation position. Thus, should power be lost to the surgicalinstrument 10, the shifter spring 266 will automatically bias theshifter gear 250 into the first position. When the shifter gear 250 isin that position, subsequent actuation of the motor 200 will result inrotation of the first drive socket 302 of the first rotary drive system300. When the shifter solenoid is actuated, the shifter gear 250 ismoved into meshing engagement with the second driven gear 326 on thesecond drive socket 322. Thereafter, actuation of the motor 200 willresult in actuation or rotation of the second drive socket 322 of thesecond rotary drive system 320.

As will be discussed in further detail below, the first and secondrotary drive systems 300, 320 may be used to power various componentportions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is coupledthereto. As indicated above, in at least one arrangement, if during theactuation of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly, power was lostto the motor, the shifter spring 266 will bias the shifter gear 250 tothe first position. Depending upon which component portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly was being operated, it may benecessary to reverse the application of the rotary drive motion to thefirst drive system 300 to enable the interchangeable surgical toolassembly to be removed from the patient. The handle assembly 20 of theillustrated example employs a manually actuatable “bailout” system,generally designated as 330, for manually applying a rotary drive motionto the first rotary drive system 300 in the above described scenario,for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the illustrated bailout system 330comprises a bailout drive train 332 that includes a planetary gearassembly 334. In at least one form, the planetary gear assembly 334includes a planetary gear housing 336 that houses a planetary geararrangement (not shown) that includes a planetary bevel gear 338. Theplanetary gear assembly 334 includes a bailout drive shaft 340 that isoperably coupled to the planetary gear arrangement within the planetarygear housing 336. Rotation of the planetary bevel gear 338 rotates theplanetary gear arrangement which ultimately rotates the bailout driveshaft 340. A bailout drive gear 342 is journaled on the bailout driveshaft 340 so that the bailout drive gear 342 can move axially on thebailout drive shaft 340, yet rotate therewith. The bailout drive gear342 is movable between a spring stop flange 344 that is formed on thebailout drive shaft 340 and a shaft end stop 346 that is formed on thedistal end of the bailout drive shaft 340. A bailout shaft spring 348 isjournaled on the bailout drive shaft 340 between the bailout drive gear342 and the spring stop flange 344. The bailout shaft spring 348 biasesthe bailout drive gear 342 distally on the bailout drive shaft 340. Whenthe bailout drive gear 342 is in its distal-most position on the bailout drive shaft 340, it is in meshing engagement with a bailout drivengear 350 that is non-rotatably mounted to the system drive shaft 232.See FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the bailout system 330 includes abailout actuator assembly or bailout handle assembly 360 thatfacilitates the manual application of a bailout drive motion to thebailout drive train 332. As can be seen in those Figures, the bailouthandle assembly 360 includes a bailout bevel gear assembly 362 thatcomprises a bailout bevel gear 364 and a ratchet gear 366. The bailouthandle assembly 360 further includes a bailout handle 370 that ismovably coupled to the bailout bevel gear assembly 362 by a pivot yoke372 that is pivotally mounted on the ratchet gear 366. The bailouthandle 370 is pivotally coupled to the pivot yoke 372 by a pin 374 forselective pivotal travel between a stored position “SP” and an actuationposition “AP”. See FIG. 12. A handle spring 376 is employed to bias thebailout handle 370 into the actuation position AP. In at least onearrangement, the angle between the axis SP representing the storedposition and the axis AP representing the actuation position may beapproximately thirty degrees, for example. See FIG. 13. As can also beseen in FIG. 13, the bailout handle assembly 360 further includes aratchet pawl 378 that is rotatably mounted in a cavity or hole 377 inthe pivot yoke 372. The ratchet pawl 378 is configured to meshinglyengage the ratchet gear 366 when rotated in an actuation direction “AD”and then rotate out of meshing engagement when rotated in the oppositedirection. A ratchet spring 384 and ball member 386 are movablysupported in a cavity 379 in the pivot yoke 372 and serve to lockinglyengage detents 380, 382 in the ratchet pawl 378 as the bailout handle370 is actuated (ratcheted).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 10, the bailout system 330 further includesa bailout access panel 390 that is maneuverable between an open positionand a closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the bailoutaccess panel 390 is configured to be removably coupled to the housingsegment 70 of the primary housing portion 30. Thus, in at least thatembodiment, when the bailout access panel 390 is removed or detachedfrom the primary housing portion 30, it is said to be in an “open”position and when the bailout access panel 390 is attached to theprimary housing portion 30 as illustrated, it is said to be in a“closed” position. Other embodiments are contemplated, however, whereinthe access panel is movably coupled to the primary housing portion suchthat when the access panel is in the open position, it remains attachedthereto. For example, in such embodiments, the access panel may bepivotally attached to the primary housing portion or slidably attachedto the primary housing portion and be maneuverable between an openposition and a closed position. In the illustrated example, the bailoutaccess panel 390 is configured to snappingly engage correspondingportions of the housing segment 70 to removably retain it in a “closed”position. Other forms of mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, etc.could also be used.

Regardless of whether the bailout access panel 390 is detachable fromthe primary housing portion 30 or it remains movably attached to theprimary housing portion 30, the bailout access panel 390 includes adrive system locking member or yoke 392 and a bailout locking member oryoke 396 that each protrudes out from the backside thereof or areotherwise formed thereon. The drive system locking yoke 392 includes adrive shaft notch 394 that is configured to receive a portion of thesystem drive shaft 232 therein when the bailout access panel 390 isinstalled in the primary housing portion 30 (i.e., the bailout accesspanel is in the “closed” position). When the bailout access panel 390 ispositioned or installed in the closed position, the drive system lockingyoke 392 serves to bias the driven bevel gear 234 into meshingengagement with the driver bevel gear 230 (against the bias of the drivesystem spring 235). In addition, the bailout locking yoke 396 includes abailout drive shaft notch 397 that is configured to receive a portion ofthe bailout drive shaft 340 therein when the bailout access panel 390 isinstalled or positioned in the closed position. As can be seen in FIGS.5 and 10, the bailout locking yoke 396 also serves to bias the bailoutdrive gear 342 out of meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear350 (against the bias of the bailout shaft spring 348). Thus, thebailout locking yoke 396 prevents the bailout drive gear 342 frominterfering with rotation of the system drive shaft 232 when the bailoutaccess panel 390 is installed or in the closed position. In addition,the bailout locking yoke 396 includes a handle notch 398 for engagingthe bailout handle 370 and retaining it in the stored position SP.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 10 illustrate the configurations of the drive systemcomponents and the bailout system components when the bailout accesspanel 390 is installed or is in the closed position. As can be seen inthose Figures, the drive system locking member 392 biases the drivenbevel gear 234 into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230.Thus, when the bailout access panel 390 is installed or is in the closedposition, actuation of the motor 200 will result in the rotation of thedriver bevel gear 230 and ultimately the system drive shaft 232. Also,when in that position, the bailout locking yoke 396 serves to bias thebailout drive gear 342 out of meshing engagement with the bailout drivengear 350 on the system drive shaft 232. Thus, when the bailout accesspanel 390 is installed or is in the closed position, the drive system isactuatable by the motor 200 and the bailout system 330 is disconnectedor prevented from applying any actuation motion to the system driveshaft 232. To activate the bailout system 330, the clinician firstremoves the bailout access panel 390 or otherwise moves the bailoutaccess panel 390 to the open position. This action removes the drivesystem locking member 392 from engagement with the driven bevel gear 234which thereby permits the drive system spring 235 to bias the drivenbevel gear 234 out of meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230.In addition, removal of the bailout access panel 390 or movement of thebailout access panel to an open position also results in thedisengagement of the bailout locking yoke 396 with the bailout drivegear 342 which thereby permits the bailout shaft spring 348 to bias thebailout drive gear 342 into meshing engagement with the bailout drivengear 350 on the system drive shaft 232. Thus, rotation of the bailoutdrive gear 342 will result in rotation of the bailout driven gear 350and the system drive shaft 232. Removal of the bailout access panel 390or otherwise movement of the bailout access panel 390 to an openposition also permits the handle spring 376 to bias the bailout handle370 into the actuation position shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. When in thatposition, the clinician can manually ratchet the bailout handle 370 inthe ratchet directions RD which results in the rotation of the of theratchet bevel gear 364 (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 14, forexample) which ultimately results in the application of a retractionrotary motion to the system drive shaft 232 through the bailout drivetrain 332. The clinician may ratchet the bailout handle 370 a number oftimes until the system drive shaft 232 has been sufficiently rotated anumber of times to retract a component of the surgical end effectorportion of the surgical tool assembly that is attached to the handleassembly 20. Once the bailout system 330 has been sufficiently manuallyactuated, the clinician may then replace the bailout access panel 390(i.e., return the bailout access panel 390 to the closed position) tothereby cause the drive system locking member 392 to bias the drivenbevel gear 234 into meshing engagement with the driver bevel gear 230and the bailout locking yoke 396 to bias the bailout drive gear 342 outof meshing engagement with the bailout driven gear 350. As was discussedabove, should power be lost or interrupted, the shifter spring 266 willbias the shifter solenoid 260 into the first actuation position. Assuch, actuation of the bailout system 330 will result in the applicationof reversing or retraction motions to the first rotary drive system 300.

As discussed above, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise amanually-actuated bailout system configured to retract a staple firingdrive, for example. In many instances, the bailout system may need to beoperated and/or cranked more than one time to fully retract the staplefiring drive. In such instances, the user of the stapling instrument maylose track of how many times they have cranked the bailout and/orotherwise become confused as to how much further the firing drive needsto be retracted. Various embodiments are envisioned in which thestapling instrument comprises a system configured to detect the positionof a firing member of the firing drive, determine the distance in whichthe firing member needs to be retracted, and display that distance tothe user of the surgical instrument.

In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument comprises oneor more sensors configured to detect the position of the firing member.In at least one instance, the sensors comprise Hall Effect sensors, forexample, and can be positioned in a shaft and/or end effector of thestapling instrument. The sensors are in signal communication with acontroller of the surgical stapling instrument which is, in turn, insignal communication with a display on the surgical stapling instrument.The controller comprises a microprocessor configured to compare theactual position of the firing member to a datum, or reference,position—which comprises a fully retracted position of the firingmember—and calculate the distance, i.e., the remaining distance, betweenthe actual position of the firing member and the reference position.

Further to the above, the display comprises an electronic display, forexample, and the controller is configured to display the remainingdistance on the electronic display in any suitable manner. In at leastone instance, the controller displays a progress bar on the display. Insuch instances, an empty progress bar can represent that the firingmember is at the end of its firing stroke and a full progress bar canrepresent that the firing member has been fully retracted, for example.In at least one instance, 0% can represent that the firing member is atthe end of its firing stroke and 100% can represent that the firingmember has been fully retracted, for example. In certain instances, thecontroller is configured to display how many actuations of the bailoutmechanism are required to retract the firing member to its fullyretracted position on the display.

Further to the above, the actuation of the bailout mechanism canoperably disconnect a battery, or power source, of the surgical staplinginstrument from an electric motor of the firing drive. In at least oneembodiment, the actuation of the bailout mechanism flips a switch whichelectrically decouples the battery from the electric motor. Such asystem would prevent the electric motor from resisting the manualretraction of the firing member.

The illustrated handle assembly 20 also supports a third axial drivesystem that is generally designated as 400. As can be seen in FIGS. 3and 4, the third axial drive system 400, in at least one form, comprisesa solenoid 402 that has a third drive actuator member or rod 410protruding therefrom. The distal end 412 of the third drive actuatormember 410 has a third drive cradle or socket 414 formed therein forreceiving a corresponding portion of a drive system component of aninterchangeable surgical tool assembly that is operably attachedthereto. The solenoid 402 is wired to or otherwise communicates with thehandle circuit board assembly 220 and the control system or CPU 224. Inat least one arrangement, the solenoid 402 is “spring loaded” such thatwhen the solenoid 402 is unactuated, the spring component thereof biasesthe third drive actuator 410 back to an unactuated starting position.

As indicated above, the reconfigurable handle assembly 20 may beadvantageously employed to actuate a variety of differentinterchangeable surgical tool assemblies. To that end, the handleassembly 20 includes a tool mounting portion that is generallydesignated as 500 for operably coupling an interchangeable surgical toolassembly thereto. In the illustrated example, the tool mounting portion500 includes two inwardly facing dovetail receiving slots 502 that areconfigured to engage corresponding portions of a tool attachment moduleportion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each dovetailreceiving slot 502 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhatV-shaped. The dovetail receiving slots 502 are configured to releasablyreceive corresponding tapered attachment or lug portions that are formedon a portion of the tool attachment nozzle portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly. Each interchangeable surgicaltool assembly may also be equipped with a latching system that isconfigured to releasable engage corresponding retention pockets 504 thatare formed in the tool mounting portion 500 of the handle assembly 20.

The various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may have a“primary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operably coupledto or interface with the first rotary drive system 310 as well as a“secondary” rotary drive system that is configured to be operablycoupled to or interface with the second rotary drive system 320. Theprimary and secondary rotary drive systems may be configured to providevarious rotary motions to portions of the particular type of surgicalend effector that comprises a portion of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the primary rotarydrive system to the first rotary drive system and the secondary drivesystem to the second rotary drive system 320, the tool mounting portion500 of the handle assembly 20 also includes a pair of insertion ramps506 that are configured to bias portions of the primary and secondaryrotary drive systems of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblydistally during the coupling process so as to facilitate alignment andoperable coupling of the primary rotary drive system to the first rotarydrive system 300 on the handle assembly 20 and the secondary rotarydrive system to the second rotary drive system 320 on the handleassembly 20.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly may also include a “tertiary”axial drive system for applying axial motion(s) to correspondingportions of the surgical end effector of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly. To facilitate operable coupling of the tertiary axialdrive system to the third axial drive system 400 on the handle assembly20, the third drive actuator member 410 is provided with a socket 414that is configured to operably receive a lug or other portion of thetertiary axial drive system therein.

An interchangeable tool assembly 2000 is illustrated in FIG. 15. Theinterchangeable tool assembly 2000 is similar to the interchangeabletool assembly 1000 in many respects, but is different than theinterchangeable tool assembly 1000 in certain other respects. Forinstance, the interchangeable assembly 2000 is a circular staplingassembly. Referring primarily to FIGS. 15 and 16, the circular staplingassembly 2000 comprises a shaft portion 2100 and an end effector 2200.The shaft portion 2100 comprises a proximal portion which is releasablyattachable to the handle assembly 20, for example. The end effector 2200comprises a first portion 2210 rotatably attached to the shaft portion2100 about an articulation joint 2300. The end effector 2200 furthercomprises a second portion 2220 releasably attached to the first portion2210. The second portion 2220 comprises a cartridge portion 2222including an annular array of staple cavities 2224 defined therein and astaple stored in each staple cavity 2224. The second portion 2220further comprises an anvil 2230 including a tissue compression surface2232 and an annular array of forming pockets or forming pockets 2234(FIG. 27) registered with the staple cavities 2224 which are configuredto deform the staples when the staples are ejected from the staplecavities 2224.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 15 and 16, the secondportion 2220 of the end effector 2200 is selectively attachable to andselectively detachable from the first portion 2210 of the end effector2200. The second portion 2220 comprises an outer housing 2227 includinga proximal connector 2229 which is configured to be received within anaperture, or chamber, 2218 defined in a housing 2217 of the firstportion 2210. The fit between the connector 2229 of the housing 2227 andthe housing 2217 of the first portion 2210 is snug. A compression fitbetween the connector 2229 and the housing 2217 can prevent the secondportion 2220 from being accidentally displaced longitudinally and/orrotationally relative to the first portion 2210. In various instances, adetent member can be utilized to releasably secure the second portion2220 to the first portion 2210 of the end effector 2200.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 35-38, the second portion 2220 of the endeffector 2200 is interchangeable with other second portions such as asecond portion 2220′, a second portion 2220″, a second portion 2220′″,and/or another second portion 2220, for example. The second portions2220′, 2220″, and 2220′″ are similar to the second portion 2220 in manyrespects. For instance, each second portion 2220, 2220′, 2220″, and2220′″ includes a central aperture 2226 defined therein. That said, thesecond portions 2220′, 2220″, and 2220′″ are different than the secondportion 2220 in other respects. For instance, the second portion 2220′has a larger diameter than the second portion 2220. Moreover, theannular array of staple cavities 2224 defined in the second portion2220′ has a larger circumference than the annular array of staplecavities 2224 defined in the second portion 2220. Similarly, the secondportion 2220″ has a larger diameter than the second portion 2220′ andthe annular array of staple cavities 2224 defined in the second portion2220″ has a larger circumference than the annular array of staplecavities 2224 defined in the second portion 2220′. Also, similarly, thesecond portion 2220′″ has a larger diameter than the second portion2220″ and the annular array of staple cavities 2224 defined in thesecond portion 2220′″ has a larger circumference than the annular arrayof staple cavities 2224 defined in the second portion 2220″.

Further to the above, the anvil 2230 is interchangeable with otheranvils such as an anvil 2230′, an anvil 2230″, an anvil 2230′″, and/oranother anvil 2230, for example. The anvils 2230′, 2230″, and 2230′″ aresimilar to the anvil 2230 in many respects. For instance, each anvil2230, 2230′, 2230″, and 2230′″ comprises a longitudinal shaft 2236including connecting flanges 2238. That said, the anvils 2230′, 2230″,and 2230′″ are different than the anvil 2230 in other respects. Forinstance, the anvil 2230′ has a larger diameter than the anvil 2230.Moreover, the annular array of the forming pockets 2234 defined in theanvil 2230′ has a larger circumference than the annular array of formingpockets 2234 defined in the anvil 2230 such that the forming pockets2234 remain registered with the staple cavities 2224 defined in thesecond portion 2220′. Similarly, the anvil 2230″ has a larger diameterthan the anvil 2230′ and the annular array of forming pockets 2234defined in the anvil 2230″ has a larger circumference than the annulararray of forming pockets 2234 defined in the anvil 2230′ such that theforming pockets 2234 remain registered with the staple cavities 2224defined in the second portion 2220″. Also, similarly, the anvil 2230′″has a larger diameter than the anvil 2230″ and the annular array offorming pockets 2234 defined in the second portion 2220′″ has a largercircumference than the annular array of forming pockets 2234 defined inthe anvil 2230″ such that the forming pockets 2234 remain registeredwith the staple cavities 2224 defined in the second portion 2220′″.

Referring primarily to FIG. 17, the shaft portion 2100 comprises aproximal connector 2120 and an elongate shaft portion 2110 extendingdistally from the proximal connector 2120. The proximal connector 2120comprises a first input 2318 and a second input 2418. The first input2318 is operably connected to an end effector articulation system andthe second input 2418 is operably connected to an end effector clampingand staple firing system. The first input 2318 and the second input 2418can be operated in any suitable order. For instance, the first input2318 can be rotated in a first direction to articulate the end effector2200 in a first direction and, correspondingly, rotated in a seconddirection to articulate the end effector 2200 in a second direction.Once the end effector 2200 has been suitably articulated, the secondinput 2428 can then be rotated to close the anvil 2230 and clamp tissueagainst the cartridge portion 2222 of the end effector 2200. Asdiscussed in greater detail further below, the second input 2428 canthen be operated to fire the staples from the staple cavities 2224 andincise tissue captured within the end effector 2200. In variousalternative embodiments, the first input 2318 and the second input 2328can be operated in any suitable order and/or at the same time.

The first input 2318 is mounted to a proximal end of an articulationshaft 2310 which is rotatably mounted in the shaft portion 2010.Referring primarily to FIGS. 20 and 21, the rotatable articulation shaft2310 comprises a distal end and a worm gear 2312 mounted to the distalend. The worm gear 2312 is threadably engaged with an articulation slide2320. More specifically, the articulation slide 2320 comprises athreaded aperture 2322 defined therein and the worm gear 2312 isthreadably mated with the threaded aperture 2322. When the articulationshaft 2310 is rotated in a first direction, the worm gear 2312 pushesthe articulation slide 2320 distally (FIG. 32). When the articulationshaft 2310 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the worm gear2312 pulls the articulation slide 2320 proximally (FIG. 31). Thearticulation slide 2320 is slidably supported by an articulation block2112 fixedly mounted in the distal end of the elongate shaft portion2110. The movement of the articulation slide 2320 is limited to proximaland distal movement by the articulation block 2112 by a guide slot 2315defined in the articulation block 2112. The articulation slide 2320further comprises a longitudinal key 2326 extending therefrom which isclosely received in a longitudinal keyway 2116 defined in the bottom ofthe guide slot 2315 which limits the relative movement between thearticulation slide 2320 and the articulation block 2112 to alongitudinal path.

Referring again to FIGS. 20, 21, and 24, the articulation slide 2320 iscoupled to an articulation link 2330. The articulation slide 2320comprises a drive pin 2324 extending therefrom which is positionedwithin a proximal aperture 2334 defined in the articulation link 2330.The drive pin 2324 is closely received within the aperture 2334 suchthat the drive pin 2324 and the sidewalls of the aperture 2334co-operate to define an axis of rotation between the articulation slide2320 and the articulation link 2330. The articulation link 2330 is alsocoupled to the housing 2217 of the end effector 2200. More specifically,the articulation link 2330 further comprises a distal aperture 2335defined therein and the housing 2217 comprises a pin 2215 positioned inthe distal aperture 2335. The pin 2215 is closely received within theaperture 2335 such that the pin 2215 and the sidewalls of the aperture2335 co-operate to define an axis of rotation between the articulationlink 2330 and the housing 2217.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 18-21 and 24, the end effector2200 is rotatably coupled to the articulation block 2112 of the shaft2100 about the articulation joint 2300. The housing 2217 of the endeffector 2200 comprises apertures 2213 defined in opposite sides thereofand the articulation block 2112 comprises projections 2113 extendingfrom opposite sides thereof which are positioned in the apertures 2213.The projections 2113 are closely received within the apertures 2213 suchthat the projections 2113 and the sidewalls of the apertures 2213co-operate to define an articulation axis about which the end effector2200 can be articulated. When the articulation shaft 2310 is rotated todrive the articulation slide 2320 distally, the articulation slide 2320drives the proximal end of the articulation link 2330 distally. Inresponse to the distal movement of the proximal end of the articulationlink 2330, the articulation link 2330 rotates about the drive pin 2324which rotates the end effector 2200 about the articulation joint 2300.When the articulation input 2310 is rotated to drive the articulationslide 2320 proximally, similar to the above, the articulation slide 2320pulls the proximal end of the articulation link 2330 proximally. Inresponse to the proximal movement of the proximal end of thearticulation link 2330, the articulation link 2330 rotates about thedrive pin 2324 which rotates the end effector 2200 about thearticulation joint 2300. The articulation link 2330 provides at leastone degree of freedom between the articulation slide 2320 and thehousing 2217. As a result, the articulation link 2330 permits the endeffector 2200 to be articulated through a wide range of articulationangles.

As discussed above, referring to FIGS. 17 and 25, the proximal connector2120 of the interchangeable tool assembly 2000 comprises a second input2418. The second input 2418 comprises a drive gear 2417 which ismeshingly engaged with a drive gear 2416 mounted on a proximal end of adrive shaft 2410. The drive shaft 2410 extends through the shaft portion2110 and an aperture 2114 defined in the articulation block 2112, asillustrated in FIG. 19. The aperture 2114 comprises a bearing androtatably supports the drive shaft 2410. Alternatively, the aperture2114 can comprise a clearance aperture. In either event, referringprimarily to FIG. 22, the drive shaft 2410 extends through thearticulation joint 2300 and into the chamber 2218 defined in the endeffector housing 2217. The drive shaft 2410 is rotatably supported by abearing 2414 mounted to the drive shaft 2410 which is captured within arecess 2214 defined in the housing 2217 of the end effector 2200. Thedrive shaft 2410 further comprises an output gear 2412 mounted to thedistal end thereof such that the rotation of the drive shaft 2410 istransmitted to the output gear 2412.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 18, 22, and 23, the output gear 2412 of thedrive shaft 2410 is operably engaged with a transmission 2420. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the transmission 2420 is configuredto shift the end effector 2200 between a first operating mode in whichthe drive shaft 2410 moves the anvil 2230 relative to the cartridge body2222 and a second operating mode in which the drive shaft 2410 fires thestaples from the staple cavities 2224 and incises the tissue capturedbetween the anvil 2230 and the cartridge body 2222. The transmission2420 comprises an orbit drive comprising a planetary plate 2421 and fourplanetary gears 2424 rotatably mounted to the planetary plate 2421. Theplanetary plate 2421 comprises a clearance aperture extending throughthe center thereof and the drive shaft 2410 extends through theclearance aperture. The planetary plate 2421 and the planetary gears2424 are positioned in a chamber 2219 defined in the end effectorhousing 2217. Each planetary gear 2424 is rotatable about a gear pin2423 extending from the planetary plate 2421. The gear pins 2423 arepositioned along a circumference surrounding the clearance aperture. Theoutput gear 2412 is meshingly engaged with the planetary gears 2424 and,as described in greater detail below, the drive shaft 2410 drives theplanetary gears 2424.

Further to the above, the drive shaft 2410 extends trough thearticulation joint 2300. In order for the output gear 2412 to remainproperly engaged with the planetary gears 2424 when the end effector2200 is articulated, the drive shaft 2410 is flexible. In at least oneinstance, the drive shaft 2410 is comprised of plastic, for example.

As discussed above, the transmission 2420 comprises a first operatingmode and a second operating mode. Referring primarily to FIGS. 23 and28, the interchangeable tool assembly 2000 further comprises a shifter2600 movable between a first position and a second position to switchthe transmission 2420 between its first operating mode and its secondoperating mode. When the shifter 2600 is in its first position, asillustrated in FIGS. 28-30, the shifter 2600 is not engaged with theplanetary plate 2421 of the transmission 2420 and, as a result, theplanetary plate 2421 and the planetary gears 2424 are rotated by thedrive shaft 2410. More specifically, the drive shaft 2410 rotates theplanetary gears 2424 about their respective gear pins 2423 and theplanetary gears 2424 rotate the planetary plate 2421 owing toreactionary forces between the planetary gears 2424 and an annular ringof teeth 2534 which extends around the planetary gears 2424, asdescribed in greater detail further below. The planetary plate 2421 isoperably coupled with an output coupling 2430 such that the rotation ofthe planetary plate 2421 is transmitted to the output coupling 2430.Referring primarily to FIG. 23, the output coupling 2430 comprises anarray of apertures 2433 extending around the outer perimeter thereofwherein the gear pins 2423 extending from the planetary plate 2421extend into, and are closely received by, the apertures 2433 defined inthe output coupling 2430 such that there is little, if any, relativemovement between the planetary plate 2421 and the output coupling 2430.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 18 and 23, the output coupling 2430comprises a drive socket 2432. The drive socket 2432 comprises asubstantially hexagonal aperture, for example; however, any suitableconfiguration could be utilized. The drive socket 2432 is configured toreceive a closure shaft 2440 extending through the second portion 2220of the end effector 2200. The closure shaft 2440 comprises a proximaldrive end 2442 which has a substantially-hexagonal shape that is closelyreceived within the drive socket 2432 such that the rotation of thedrive shaft 2410 is transferrable to the closure shaft 2440. The closureshaft 2440 is rotatably supported within the housing 2227 of the secondportion 2220 by a bearing 2444. The bearing 2444 comprises a thrustbearing, for example; however, the bearing 2444 may comprise anysuitable bearing.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 23 and 28-30, the closure shaft 2440comprises a threaded portion 2446 that is threadably engaged with athreaded aperture 2456 defined in a trocar 2450. As discussed in greaterdetail further below, the anvil 2230 is attachable to the trocar 2450which can be translated to move the anvil 2230 toward and/or away fromthe cartridge body 2222. Referring again to FIG. 18, the trocar 2450comprises at least one longitudinal key slot 2459 defined therein whichis configured to co-operate with at least one longitudinal key extendingfrom an inner surface 2546 of the drive sleeve 2540. The drive sleeve2540 is part of the staple firing system, discussed further below, andthe reader should understand that the trocar 2450 and the drive sleeve2540, one, slide relative to one another, and, two, co-operativelyinhibit relative rotational movement therebetween. Owing to the threadedengagement between the closure shaft 2440 and the trocar 2450, theclosure shaft 2440 can displace, or translate, the trocar 2450 distallywhen the closure shaft 2440 is rotated in a first direction and,correspondingly, displace, or translate, the trocar 2450 proximally whenthe closure shaft 2440 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

As discussed above, the anvil 2230 is attachable to the trocar 2450. Theanvil 2230 comprises connecting flanges 2238 which are configured toengage and grip the trocar 2450. The connecting flanges 2238 comprisecantilever beams which are connected to the shaft portion 2236 of theanvil 2230. Referring primarily to FIG. 23, the trocar 2450 comprisesretention notches, or recesses, 2458 which are configured to releasablyreceive the connecting flanges 2238 when the anvil 2230 is assembled tothe trocar 2450. The retention notches 2458 and the connecting flanges2238 are configured to resist the inadvertent detachment of the anvil2230 from the trocar 2450. The connecting flanges 2238 are separated bylongitudinal slots 2237. The longitudinal slots 2237 are configured toreceive longitudinal ribs 2457 extending from the trocar 2450 when theanvil 2230 is assembled to the trocar 2450. The ribs 2457 are closelyreceived within the slots 2237 and, as a result, the anvil 2230 isinhibited from rotating relative to the trocar 2450.

Once the anvil 2230 has been suitably positioned relative to thecartridge portion 2222, as discussed above, the tool assembly 2000 canbe shifted into its second operating mode. The shifter 2600 comprises anelectrically-actuated motor, for example, which is utilized to shift thetransmission 2420 of the end effector 2200. In various otherembodiments, the shifter 2600 can comprise any suitable device which iselectrically and/or manually actuated. The shifter 2600 is in signalcommunication with a processor of the surgical stapling instrument andin power communication with a battery of the surgical staplinginstrument. In various instances, insulated electrical wires, forexample, extend between the shifter 2600 and a handle of the surgicalinstrument such that the processor can communicate with the shifter 2600and the battery can supply power to the shifter 2600. In various otherinstances, the shifter 2600 can comprise a wireless signal receiver andthe processor can communicate wirelessly with the shifter 2600. Incertain instances, power can be supplied wirelessly to the shifter 2600,such as through an inductive circuit, for example. In various instances,the shifter 2600 can comprise its own power source.

The shifter 2600 comprises a housing mounted in the chamber 2218 definedin the proximal end of the end effector 2200. The shifter 2600 comprisesa clutch key, or toggle, 2602 and an output shaft 2604 movable between afirst position and a second position relative to the shifter housing.The clutch key 2602 comprises a first lock tooth 2608 and a second locktooth 2609 and, when the clutch key 2602 is in its first position, thefirst lock tooth 2608 is engaged with a firing tube 2530 of the staplefiring system and, concurrently, the second lock tooth 2609 isdisengaged from the planetary plate 2421 of the transmission 2420. Morespecifically, the first lock tooth 2608 is positioned in an aperture2538, which is part of an annular array of apertures 2538 defined aroundthe firing tube 2530, and the second lock tooth 2609 is not positionedin an aperture 2429, which is part of an annular array of apertures 2429defined around the planetary plate 2421. As a result of the above, theshifter 2600 prevents the firing tube 2530 from rotating and,accordingly, locks out the staple firing system when the clutch key 2602is in its first position. Although the staple firing system has beenlocked out by the shifter 2600 when the clutch key 2602 is in its firstposition, the drive shaft 2410 can rotate the planetary plate 2421 andoperate the anvil closure system, as discussed above.

As illustrated primarily in FIG. 23, the firing tube 2530 comprises aninner annular rack of teeth 2534 defined in an inner sidewall 2532thereof. The planetary gears 2424 are operably intermeshed with the rackof teeth 2534. When the shifter 2600 is in its first position, asillustrated in FIG. 28, the firing tube 2530 is held in position by theshifter 2600 and the planetary gears 2424 are rotatable relative to thefiring tube 2530 and the rack of teeth 2534 by the drive shaft 2410. Insuch instances, the planetary gears 2424 are rotated about alongitudinal drive axis defined by the drive shaft 2410 and, at the sametime, rotated about axes defined by their respective gear pins 2423. Thereader should appreciate that the planetary gears 2424 are directlydriven by the drive shaft 2410 and, owing to reactionary forces createdbetween the planetary gears 2424 and the firing tube 2530, the planetarygears 2424 drive and rotate the planetary plate 2421. When the shifter2600 is actuated to move the clutch key 2602 into its second position,the first lock tooth 2608 is disengaged from the firing tube 2530 and,concurrently, the second lock tooth 2609 is engaged with the planetaryplate 2421. The planetary plate 2421 is held in position by the shifter2600 when the clutch key 2602 is in its second position and, as aresult, the closure drive has been locked out and cannot be operated tomove the anvil 2230. When the drive shaft 2410 is rotated in suchinstances, the output gear 2412 drives and rotates the planetary gears2424 relative to the planetary plate 2421 about their respective gearpins 2423. The planetary gears 2424 drive the firing tube 2530 via therack of teeth 2534 and rotate the firing tube 2530 about itslongitudinal axis.

Further to the above, and referring again to FIG. 23, the firing tube2530 is operably coupled with the drive sleeve 2540 of the staple firingsystem. More specifically, the inner sidewall 2532 of the firing tube2530 comprises longitudinal slots 2535 defined therein which areconfigured to closely receive longitudinal ribs 2545 defined on thedrive sleeve 2540 such that the drive sleeve 2540 rotates with thefiring tube 2530. The drive sleeve 2540 further comprises a threadeddistal end 2542 which is threadably engaged with a drive collar 2550.More specifically, the drive collar 2550 comprises a threaded aperture2552 which is threadably engaged with the threaded distal end 2542. Thedrive collar 2550 is positioned in an aperture 2228 defined in thehousing of the end effector 2200 and is prevented from rotating withinthe aperture 2228 by a longitudinal rib and groove arrangement, forexample. As a result of the above, the rotation of the drive sleeve 2540translates the drive collar 2550 longitudinally. For instance, the drivecollar 2550 is advanced distally if the drive sleeve 2540 is rotated ina first direction and retracted proximally if the drive sleeve 2540 isrotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

When the drive collar 2550 is pushed distally, as discussed above, thedrive collar 2550 pushes a staple driver block 2560 and a cutting member2570, such as a knife, for example, distally during a firing stroke ofthe staple firing system. More specifically, the drive collar 2550pushes the staple driver block 2560 and the cutting member 2570 betweena proximal, unfired position in which the staples are positioned in thestaple cavities 2224 defined in the cartridge body portion 2222 and thecutting member 2570 is recessed below the deck surface of the cartridgebody portion 2222 and a distal, fired position in which the staples havebeen deformed against the anvil 2230 and the tissue captured between theanvil 2230 and the cartridge body portion 2222 has been transected bythe cutting member 2570. The drive collar 2550 comprises a drive recess2554 which is configured to abut the staple driver block 2560 and thecutting member 2570 as the drive collar 2550 is advanced distally. Thestaple driver block 2560 comprises a plurality of staple cradles definedtherein wherein each staple cradle is configured to support the base ofa staple. The staple cradles are aligned with the staple cavities 2224defined in the cartridge body portion 2222 and are arranged in at leasttwo concentric rows.

The staple driver block 2560 and the cutting member 2570 are attached tothe drive collar 2550 such that, when the drive collar 2550 is movedproximally away from the anvil 2230, the staple driver block 2560 andthe cutting member 2570 are pulled proximally by the drive collar 2550.In at least one instance, the staple driver block 2560 and the cuttingmember 2570 comprise one or more hooks which extend into apertures 2557defined in the drive collar 2550. In various instances, the stapledriver block 2560 and the cutting member 2570 can be retracted such thatthey are completely retracted below the deck surface of the cartridgebody portion 2222.

Further to the above, the end effector 2200 is operable in a thirdoperating mode in which the clutch key 2602 of the shifter 2600 isoperably engaged with the anvil closure system and the staple firingsystem at the same time. In this operating mode, the first lock tooth2608 is engaged with the firing tube 2530 of the staple firing systemand the second lock tooth 2609 is engaged with the planetary plate 2421of the transmission 2420. In such instances, the first lock tooth 2608is positioned in an aperture 2538 defined in the firing tube 2530 andthe second lock tooth 2609 is positioned in an aperture 2429 defined inthe planetary plate 2421. As a result of the above, the drive shaft 2410moves the anvil 2230, the staple driver block 2560, and the cuttingmember 2570 relative to the cartridge body 2222 at the same time.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the user of the interchangeable toolassembly 2000 can select from a kit of second portions 2220, 2220′,2220″, 2220′″ and/or any other suitable second portion and assembly theselected second portion to the first portion 2210 of the end effector2200. Referring primarily to FIG. 18, each second portion comprises ahousing connector 2229 which engages the housing 2217 of the firstportion 2210 when the second portion is assembled to the first portion2210. In addition, each second portion comprises a closure shaft 2440which operably engages the drive socket 2432 of the first portion 2210when the second portion is assembled to the first portion 2210.Moreover, each second portion comprises a drive sleeve 2540 whichoperably engages the firing tube 2530 of the first portion 2210 when thesecond portion is assembled to the first portion 2210.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, a tool assembly2000′ is interchangeable with the tool assembly 2000. The tool assembly2000′ is similar to the tool assembly 2000 in many respects; however,the tool assembly 2000′ is configured to apply circular staple lineshaving larger diameters than the circular staple lines applied by thetool assembly 2000. The tool assembly 2000′ comprises, among otherthings, a wider second portion 2220′, staple driver 2560′, knifeassembly 2570′, cartridge body 2222′, and anvil 2230′. Referring to FIG.37, a tool assembly 2000″ is interchangeable with the tool assembly2000. The tool assembly 2000″ is similar to the tool assemblies 2000 and2000′ in many respects; however, the tool assembly 2000″ is configuredto apply circular staple lines having larger diameters than the circularstaple lines applied by the tool assembly 2000′. The tool assembly 2000″comprises, among other things, a wider second portion 2220″, stapledriver 2560″, knife assembly 2570″, cartridge body 2222″, and anvil2230″. Referring to FIG. 38, a tool assembly 2000′″ is interchangeablewith the tool assembly 2000. The tool assembly 2000′″ is similar to thetool assemblies 2000, 2000′, and 2000″ in many respects; however, thetool assembly 2000′″ is configured to apply circular staple lines havinglarger diameters than the circular staple lines applied by the toolassembly 2000″. The tool assembly 2000′″ comprises, among other things,a wider second portion 2220′″, staple driver 2560′″, knife assembly2570′″, cartridge body 2222′″, and anvil 2230′″.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical instrument canhave any suitable number of operating modes. In at least one embodiment,a surgical stapling instrument comprises a transmission which includes afirst operating mode which fires the staples, a second operating modewhich deploys the cutting member, and a third operating mode which bothfires the staples and deploys the cutting member at the same time. Inthe first operating mode, the cutting member is not deployed. Moreover,the processor of such a surgical instrument can be programmed such thatthe instrument cannot be placed in the second operating mode withouthaving first completed the first operating mode. As a result of theabove, the user of the surgical instrument can decide whether or not tocut the tissue after the staples have been fired.

An alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge body for use with asurgical stapler is illustrated in FIG. 34. A cartridge body 2222′comprises an annular outer row of staple cavities 2224 and an annularinner row of staple cavities 2224′. The staple cavities 2224 are definedin a first step of the cartridge body deck and the staple cavities 2224′are defined in a second step of the cartridge body deck. The second stepextends above the first step. Stated another way, the first step has afirst deck height and the second step has a second deck height which istaller than the first deck height. A deck wall separates the first stepand the second step. In various embodiments, the deck wall is sloped. Incertain embodiments, the deck wall is orthogonal to the first stepand/or the second step.

The cartridge body 2222′ further comprises cavity extensions 2229′extending from the first step of the deck. The cavity extensions 2229′surround the ends of the staple cavities 2224 and extend the staplecavities 2224 above the first step. The cavity extensions 2229′ can atleast partially control the staples above the first step as the staplesare ejected from the staple cavities 2224. The cavity extensions 2229′are also configured to contact and compress tissue captured against thecartridge body 2222′. The cavity extensions 2229′ can also control theflow of tissue relative to the cartridge body 2222′. For instance, thecavity extensions 2229′ can limit the radial flow of the tissue. Thecavity extensions 2229′ can have any suitable configuration and canextend any suitable height from the first step. In at least oneinstance, the top surfaces of the cavity extensions 2229′ are alignedwith, or have the same height as, the second step, for example. In otherinstances, the cavity extensions 2229′ can extend above or below thesecond step.

Further to the above, the staple cavities 2224 each comprise a firststaple positioned therein having a first unformed height. The staplecavities 2224′ each comprise a second staple positioned therein having asecond unformed height which is different than the first unformedheight. For instance, the first unformed height is taller than thesecond unformed height; however, the second unformed height could betaller than the first unformed height. In alternative embodiments, thefirst unformed staple height and the second unformed staple height isthe same.

The first staples are deformed to a first deformed height and the secondstaples are deformed to a second deformed height which is different thanthe first deformed height. For instance, the first deformed height istaller than the second deformed height. Such an arrangement couldimprove blood flow into the stapled tissue. Alternatively, the seconddeformed height could be taller than the first deformed height. Such anarrangement could improve the pliability of the tissue along the innertransection line. In certain alternative embodiments, the first deformedheight and the second deformed height is the same.

As discussed above, an interchangeable tool assembly can comprise, amongother things, a shaft, an end effector, and a replaceable staplecartridge. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a closure driveconfigured to move open and close the end effector to capture tissuewithin the end effector and a firing drive configured to staple and cutthe tissue captured within the end effector. The closure drive and thefiring drive of the end effector are operably coupled with acorresponding closure drive and firing drive of the shaft when thereplaceable staple cartridge is assembled to the shaft. In the eventthat the replaceable staple cartridge is not properly assembled to theshaft, the replaceable staple cartridge may not operate in its intendedmanner. As described in greater detail below, the replaceable staplecartridge and/or the shaft can comprise a lockout which prevents thereplaceable staple cartridge from being operated unless the replaceablestaple cartridge is properly attached to the shaft.

Turning now to FIG. 39, an interchangeable tool assembly 3000 comprisesa shaft 3010 and a replaceable staple cartridge 3020. Similar to theabove, the replaceable staple cartridge 3020 comprises a closure driveinput and a firing drive input which are operably coupled with a closuredrive output and a firing drive output, respectively, when the staplecartridge 3020 is fully seated onto the shaft 3010. The operation ofsuch closure and firing systems are not repeated herein for the sake ofbrevity.

The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 further comprises a lockoutcircuit 3090. The lockout circuit 3090 includes conductors 3096 andcontacts 3092. A first contact 3092 is electrically coupled to a firstconductor 3096 and a second contact 3092 is electrically coupled to asecond conductor 3096. The first contact 3092 is not electricallycoupled to the second contact 3092 prior to the staple cartridge 3020being fully seated onto the shaft 3010. The staple cartridge 3020comprises a contact bridge 3094 which engages and electrically couplesthe contacts 3092 when the staple cartridge 3020 is fully seated ontothe shaft 3010. The contacts 3092 and the contact bridge 3094 areconfigured and arranged such that the contact bridge 3094 does notelectrically couple the contacts 3092 when the staple cartridge 3020 isonly partially seated onto the shaft 3010.

The interchangeable tool assembly 3000 is usable with a surgicalinstrument system which includes a manually-operable handle and/or arobotic system, for example. In various embodiments, the surgicalinstrument system includes an electric motor configured to drive thestaple firing system of the tool assembly 3000 and, in addition, acontroller configured to operate the electric motor. The lockout circuitof the tool assembly 3000 is in communication with the controller. Whenthe controller detects that the contact bridge 3094 is not engaged withthe contacts 3092, or that the lockout circuit is in an open condition,the controller prevents the electric motor from operating the staplefiring system. In various instances, the controller is configured suchthat it does not supply power to the electric motor when the lockoutcircuit is in an open condition. In certain other instances, thecontroller is configured to supply power to the electric motor such thatit can operate the closure system but not the firing system when thelockout circuit is in an open condition. In at least one such instance,the controller operates a transmission coupled to the electric motorsuch that the output of the electric motor is only directed to theclosure system. When the controller detects that the contact bridge 3094is engaged with the contacts 3092, or that the lockout circuit is in aclosed condition, the controller allows the electric motor to operatethe staple firing system.

When a surgical instrument system comprises a handle, further to theabove, the controller can actuate a trigger lock which prevents a firingtrigger of the handle from being actuated when the controller detectsthat the lockout circuit is in an open configuration. When the staplecartridge 3020 is fully seated onto the shaft 3010 and the lockoutcircuit is closed, the controller can retract the trigger lock and allowthe firing trigger to be actuated. Such a system can be utilized withmotorized and/or non-motorized firing drives. A non-motorized firingdrive can be driven by a handcrank, for example.

As discussed above, an anvil 2230 can be assembled to the trocar shaft2450 of the closure drive of the tool assembly 2000. The connectingflanges 2238 of the anvil 2230 are configured to engage a recess 2458defined in the trocar shaft 2450 to connect the anvil 2230 thereto. Oncethe anvil 2230 has been assembled to the trocar shaft 2450, the trocarshaft 2450 and the anvil 2230 can be retracted, or pulled, toward thestaple cartridge 2222 by the closure drive to compress tissue againstthe staple cartridge 2222. In some instances, however, the anvil 2230may not be properly assembled to the trocar shaft 2450. The mis-assemblyof the anvil 2230 to the trocar shaft 2450 can frequently occur when thetrocar shaft 2450 is not sufficiently extended above the deck of thestaple cartridge 2222 when a clinician attempts to assemble the anvil2230 to the trocar shaft 2450. Oftentimes, in such instances, the anvil2230 is sufficiently attached to the trocar shaft 2450 such that thetrocar shaft 2450 can move the anvil 2230 toward the staple cartridge2222 but, when the anvil 2230 begins to compress the tissue against thestaple cartridge 2222, the anvil 2230 can detach from the trocar shaft2450.

Turning now to FIGS. 41 and 42, an interchangeable tool assembly 3100 isdepicted which is similar in many respects to the interchangeable toolassembly 2000 discussed above. The tool assembly 2000 comprises acartridge body 3120 comprising a deck 3121 configured to support tissuewhen the tissue is compressed against the cartridge body 3120 by theanvil 2130. The tool assembly 3100 further comprises a closure driveconfigured to move the anvil 2130 relative to the cartridge body 3120.The closure drive comprises a trocar shaft 3150 which, similar to theabove, includes a recess defined therein. The recess comprises a distalshoulder 3158 which is configured to retain the anvil 2130 to the trocarshaft 3150. In addition, the tool assembly 3100 further comprises afiring drive configured to eject staples from the cartridge body 3120.The firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft 3162 and a translatablecollar 3160 threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft 3162 which isconfigured to eject staples from the cartridge body 3120. The rotatableshaft 3162 comprises a longitudinal aperture 3164 defined therein andthe trocar shaft 3150 extends through the aperture 3164.

Further to the above, the closure drive further comprises a clip 3190mounted to the trocar shaft 3150. The clip 3190 comprises a base 3192mounted within a slot defined in the trocar shaft 3150. The clip 3190further comprises compliant arms, or appendages, 3198 extending from thebase 3192. The arms 3198 are movable between an extended position (FIG.41) and a deflected position (FIG. 4). When the arms 3198 are in theirdeflected position, as illustrated in FIG. 42, the anvil 2130 can belocked to the trocar shaft 3150. The arms 3198 are held in theirdeflected position by the translatable collar 3160 of the firing drivewhen the trocar shaft 3150 has been sufficiently extended above the deck3121 of the cartridge body 3120, as illustrated in FIG. 42. Thetranslatable collar 3160 comprises an annular shoulder 3168 configuredto resiliently bias the arms 3198 inwardly when the arms 3198 arebrought into contact with the shoulder 3168.

When the trocar shaft 3150 is not in a sufficiently extended positionabove the cartridge deck 3121, the arms 3198 are not biased inwardly bythe shoulder 3168. In such instances, the arms 3198 are in theirextended position, as illustrated in FIG. 41. When the arms 3198 are intheir extended position, the arms 3198 prevent the anvil 2130 from beingattached to the trocar shaft 3150. More specifically, the arms 3198prevent the connecting flanges 2138 of the anvil 2130 from being seatedbehind the shoulder 3158 defined in the trocar shaft 3150. In suchinstances, the arms 3198 prevent the anvil 2130 from being partiallyattached to the trocar shaft 3150 and, as a result, the clinicianattempting to assemble the anvil 2130 to the trocar shaft 3150 cannotpartially assemble the anvil 2130 to the trocar shaft 3150 and can avoidthe issues discussed above. The reader should appreciate that the anvil2130 is often assembled to the trocar shaft 3150 in situ, or within apatient, and the proper assembly of the anvil 2130 to the trocar shaft3150 expedites the completion of the surgical technique being used. Thesystem discussed above provides a lockout which prevents a partiallyassembled anvil from being compressed against the tissue.

Turning now to FIGS. 43-45, an interchangeable tool assembly 3200comprises a lockout configured to prevent a closure drive from beingretracted without an anvil attached thereto, as discussed in greaterdetail below. The tool assembly 3200 comprises a shaft 3210 and an endeffector 3220. The end effector 3220 includes an outer housing 3227, acartridge body 3222, and a longitudinal aperture 3226 definedtherethrough. The tool assembly 3200 further comprises a closure driveincluding a trocar shaft 3250 and an anvil 3230 attachable to the trocarshaft 3250. Similar to the above, the closure drive is configured tomove the anvil 3230 toward and away from the cartridge body 3222. Thetrocar shaft 3250 is movable between an extended position and aretracted position. FIGS. 44 and 45 both illustrate the trocar shaft3250 in its extended position.

Further to the above, the tool assembly 3200 further comprises aretraction lock 3290 configured to prevent the trocar shaft 3250 frombeing moved from its extended position (FIGS. 44 and 45) toward itsretracted position when the anvil 3230 is not assembled to the trocarshaft 3250. The retraction lock 3290 comprises a lock arm 3292 rotatablymounted to the housing 3227 about a projection, or pin, 3294. Theretraction lock 3290 further comprises a spring 3296 engaged with thelock arm 3292 which is configured to bias the lock arm 3292 toward thetrocar shaft 3250. The trocar shaft 3250 comprises a lock shoulder 3258and, when the anvil 3230 is not assembled to the trocar shaft 3250 asillustrated in FIG. 44, the lock arm 3292 is configured to catch thelock shoulder 3258 and prevent the trocar shaft 3250 from being movedproximally. More specifically, the lock arm 3292 comprises a catch 3298configured to slide under the lock shoulder 3258. When the anvil 3230 isassembled to the trocar shaft 3250, as illustrated in FIG. 45, the anvil3230 contacts the lock arm 3292 and displaces the lock arm 3292 awayfrom the lock shoulder 3258. At such point, the trocar shaft 3250 hasbeen unlocked and can be moved toward the cartridge body 3222 into itsretracted position.

Turning now to FIGS. 46-48, an interchangeable tool assembly 3300comprises a closure drive, a staple firing drive, and a lockoutconfigured to prevent the staple firing drive from being operated untilthe anvil of the closure drive has been set to a proper tissue gap, asdiscussed in greater detail below. The tool assembly 3300 comprises ashaft 3310 and an end effector 3320. The end effector 3320 includes aninner frame 3329, an outer housing 3327, and a cartridge body 3322.Similar to the above, the closure drive includes a trocar shaft 3350 andan anvil 2230 attachable to the trocar shaft 3350. Also similar to theabove, the trocar shaft 3350 is movable between an extended position(FIG. 47) and a retracted position (FIG. 48) to move the anvil 2230toward and away from the cartridge body 3322. The firing drive includesa rotatable shaft 3360 which is configured to displace a firing drivedistally to eject the staples stored in the cartridge body 3322.

Further to the above, the end effector 3320 comprises a firing drivelock 3390 movably mounted to the inner frame 3329. The firing drive lock3390 comprises a lock pin 3394 and a lock spring 3398 positioned aroundthe lock pin 3394. The lock pin 3394 comprises a head 3392 and a stop3396. The lock spring 3398 is positioned intermediate the stop 3396 anda sidewall of a cavity 3328 defined in the inner frame 3329. When thetrocar shaft 3350 is in an extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 47,the lock spring 3398 biases the lock pin 3394 into a lock aperture 3364defined in the rotatable shaft 3360 of the staple firing drive. In suchinstances, the interaction between the lock pin 3394 and the sidewallsof the lock aperture 3364 prevent the shaft 3360 from being rotated tofire the staples from the cartridge body 3322. When the trocar shaft3350 is sufficiently retracted, the trocar shaft 3350 engages the head3392 of the lock pin 3394. The head 3392 comprises a cam surface definedthereon which is configured to be engaged by the trocar shaft 3350 tomove the firing drive lock 3390 between a locked configuration (FIG. 47)and an unlocked configuration (FIG. 48). When the drive lock 3390 is inits unlocked configuration, the shaft 3360 of the firing drive can berotated.

The firing drive lockout of the tool assembly 3300 requires the anvil2230 to be moved into a predetermined position, or within a range ofpredetermined positions, before the staples can be fired. Moreover, thefiring drive lockout of the tool assembly 3300 requires the tissue gapbetween the anvil 2230 and the cartridge body 3322 to be less than acertain distance before the staples can be fired. As a result, theposition of the anvil 2230 and/or the closure system deactivates thestaple firing lockout. Such an arrangement can assist in preventing themalformation of the staples and/or the undercompression of the tissue,among other things.

Turning now to FIGS. 49-51, an interchangeable tool assembly 3400comprises a closure drive configured to clamp tissue, a staple firingdrive, and a firing drive lockout 3490 configured to prevent the staplefiring drive from being operated prior to the closure drive applying asufficient clamping pressure to the tissue. The closure drive comprisesa trocar shaft 3450 and an anvil, such as anvil 2230, for example,attached to the trocar shaft 3450. Similar to the above, the trocarshaft 3450 is movable from an extended position (FIG. 50) to a retractedposition (FIG. to compress tissue against a cartridge body of the toolassembly 3400. The firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft 3460configured to displace a staple driver distally and eject staples fromthe cartridge body.

The firing drive lockout 3490 is positioned intermediate the trocarshaft 3450 of the closure drive and the rotatable shaft 3460 of thefiring drive. The firing drive lockout 3490 comprises a distal plate3492, a proximal plate 3494, and a spring 3493 positioned intermediatethe distal plate 3492 and the proximal plate 3494. The firing drivelockout 3490 further comprises a lock pin 3498 movable between a lockedconfiguration (FIG. 50) in which the lock pin 3498 is engaged with theshaft 3460 and an unlocked configuration (FIG. in which the lock pin3498 is disengaged from the shaft 3460. The lock pin 3498 is positionedin a pin chamber 3496 defined between the distal plate 3492 and theproximal plate 3494. More specifically, the lock pin 3498 comprises abeveled head positioned intermediate a cam 3495 defined on the distalplate 3492 and a cam 3495 defined on the proximal plate 3494. When thetrocar shaft 3450 is retracted proximally, the trocar shaft 3450 pushesthe distal plate 3492 proximally and the cam 3495 defined on the distalplate 3492 engages the head of the lock pin 3498. In such instances, thecam 3495 defined on the distal plate 3492, in co-operation with the cam3495 defined on the proximal plate 3494, displace the lock pin 3498 intoits unlocked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 51.

As discussed above, the cams 3495 of the firing drive lockout 3490squeeze the head of the lock pin 3498 as the distal plate 3492 is movedtoward the proximal plate 3494 by the trocar shaft 3450. Morespecifically, the cams 3495 drive the lock pin 3498 inwardly and out ofengagement with the rotatable shaft 3460. The lock pin 3498 ispositioned in a lock aperture 3468 defined in the shaft 3460 when thelock pin 3498 is in its locked configuration and, owing to theinteraction between the lock pin 3498 and the sidewalls of the lockaperture 3468, the lock pin 3498 prevents the shaft 3460 from rotating.As a result, the staples cannot be fired from the cartridge body by thefiring drive. When the lock pin 3498 is moved into is unlockedconfiguration, as discussed above, the lock pin 3498 is moved out of thelock aperture and the shaft 3460 can be rotated by the firing drive tofire the staples from the cartridge body. In various embodiments, theshaft 3460 can include a circumferential array of lock apertures 3468defined in the shaft 3460, each of which is configured to receive thelock pin 3498 and lockout the firing drive. Referring again to FIGS.49-51, the firing drive lockout 3490 further comprises a biasing member,such as a spring 3499, for example, which is configured to bias the lockpin 3498 into a lock aperture 3468.

Further to the above, the spring 3493 of the firing drive lockout 3490is configured to resist the proximal movement of the trocar shaft 3450.The spring 3493 is a linear coil spring; however, any suitable springcould be used. Moreover, more than one spring could be used. In anyevent, the spring 3493, or spring system, has a stiffness which appliesa spring force to the distal plate 3492 of the firing drive lockout 3490as the trocar shaft 3450 is retracted. Stated another way, the forceapplied to the distal plate 3492 by the spring 3493 increases inproportion to the distance in which the trocar shaft 3450 is displacedproximally. The spring force generated by the spring 3493 opposes theclamping force that the anvil 2230 is applying to the tissue. As aresult, the clamping force must overcome a certain, or predetermined,spring force being generated by the spring 3493 in order to sufficientlydisplace the distal plate 3492 and unlock the firing drive. In suchinstances, the tissue clamping force must meet a predetermined thresholdbefore the firing drive lockout 3490 can be deactivated and the staplefiring drive can be actuated.

As discussed in connection with various embodiments disclosed herein, astaple firing drive drives staples against an anvil to deform thestaples to a desired formed height. In various instances, the staplefiring drive is also configured to push a cutting member, such as aknife, for example, distally to cut tissue captured between thecartridge body and the anvil. In such instances, the knife is exposedabove the deck of the cartridge body. That said, the anvil is positionedin close relationship to the cartridge body when the anvil is in itsclosed, or clamped, position and the knife is, for the most part,covered by the anvil even though the knife is exposed above thecartridge body. In the event that the anvil were to be moved to its openposition and/or detached from the closure drive before the knife isretracted below the deck of the cartridge body, the knife would beuncovered and exposed. A tool assembly 3500 is illustrated in FIGS.52-54 which comprises a lockout 3590 configured to prevent the anvilfrom being moved into its open position while the knife is exposed abovethe cartridge deck.

The tool assembly 3500 comprises a closure drive and a firing drive. Theclosure drive comprises a trocar shaft 3550 and an anvil 3530 releasablyattachable to the trocar shaft 3550. Similar to the above, the trocarshaft 3550 is translatable proximally and distally by a rotatableclosure shaft 2440 threadably engaged with the trocar shaft 3550. Thefiring drive comprises a rotatable shaft 3562 and a translatable collar3560 threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft 3562. Similar to theabove, the collar 3560 is translatable proximally and distally when theshaft 3562 is rotated in first and second directions, respectively. Alsosimilar to the above, the collar 3560 of the firing drive is configuredto advance and retract an array of staple drivers and a knife assembly2570 toward and away from the anvil 3530.

Further to the above, the lockout 3590 comprises a lock arm 3592rotatably mounted to the shaft 3562 of the firing drive about a pivot3594. The lockout 3590 further comprises a biasing member, or spring,3599 engaged with the lock arm 3592 which is configured to bias the lockarm 3592 into contact with the anvil 3530. In use, the anvil 3530 isassembled to the trocar shaft 3550 and the trocar shaft 3550 is thenretracted to position the anvil 3530 in its closed, or clamped, positionrelative to the cartridge body. As the anvil 3530 is being retracted,the lock arm 3592 of the lockout 3590 slides against the outer surfaceof the anvil 3530 until the lock arm 3592 is aligned with a lock recess3532 defined in the anvil 3530. At such point, the spring 3599 biasesthe lock arm 3592 into the lock recess 3532, as illustrated in FIG. 53.More specifically, the lock arm 3592 is positioned behind a lockshoulder which defines the lock recess 3532. The firing drive can thenbe operated to fire the staples and cut the tissue. In such instances,the cutting edge of the knife assembly 2570 is exposed above thecartridge body and, owing to the lockout 3590, the closure drive islocked out, or prevented from being opened, until the cutting edge ofthe knife assembly 2570 is no longer exposed.

Referring primarily to FIG. 52, the lock arm 3592 further comprises areset tab 3593 extending therefrom. The collar 3560 of the firing drivefurther comprises a cam 3563 configured to engage the reset tab 3593when the collar 3560 and the knife assembly 2570 are retractedproximally by the firing drive. The cam 3563 is configured to rotate thelock arm 3592 downwardly out of engagement with the lock shoulderdefined in the lock recess 3532 and unlock the closure drive. The cam3563 is configured to unlock the closure drive when the cutting edge ofthe knife assembly 2570 has been retracted below the cartridge deck;however, in other embodiments, the cam 3563 can unlock the closure drivewhen the cutting edge is flush with, or at least substantially flushwith, the cartridge deck. In some embodiments, the closure drive may notbe unlocked until the knife assembly 2570 has been completely retracted.Once the closure drive has been unlocked, the closure drive can beoperated to move the anvil 3530 to an open, or unclamped, position onceagain.

Once the staples of an interchangeable tool assembly have been fired,according to various embodiments, the tool assembly may not be re-used.As discussed in greater detail below, a tool assembly can include alockout configured to prevent the tool assembly from being re-clampedonto tissue after it has been used to staple tissue.

In at least one embodiment, referring now to FIGS. 55-58, aninterchangeable tool assembly 3600 comprises a closure drive configuredto position an anvil, such as anvil 2230, for example, relative to astaple cartridge and a firing drive configured to drive staples from thestaple cartridge. Similar to the above, the anvil 2230 is attachable toa translatable trocar shaft 3650 of the closure drive. Also similar tothe above, the firing drive comprises a rotatable shaft 3660, atranslatable collar 2550 threadably engaged with the rotatable shaft3660, and a staple firing driver 2560 displaceable by the rotatableshaft 3660. In use, the closure drive is operable to position the anvil2230 in a clamped position relative to the staple cartridge and thefiring driver is then operable to fire the staples into tissue capturedbetween the anvil 2230 and the staple cartridge. Thereafter, the closuredrive is operated to open the anvil 2230 and release the tissue.

Further to the above, the tool assembly 3600 comprises a lockout 3690configured to prevent the anvil 2230 from being reclamped onto thetissue. The lockout 3690 comprises a lock arm 3692 rotatably mounted tothe rotatable shaft 3660 which is held in an unlocked configuration bythe firing drive as the closure drive moves the anvil 2230 between anopen, unclamped position (FIG. 55) and a closed, clamped position (FIG.56). The lock arm 3692 is held in its unlocked configuration between therotatable shaft 3660 and the translatable collar 2550 as the trocarshaft 3650 and the anvil 2230 are moved relative to the firing drive toposition the anvil 2230 relative to the staple cartridge. The arm 3692is held in its unlocked configuration until the firing drive isoperated, as illustrated in FIG. 55. As the shaft 3460 is rotated in afirst direction, the collar 2550 is displaced distally and a spring 3699of the lockout 3690 can bias the lock arm 3692 against the trocar shaft3650. The trocar shaft 3650 rotates relative to the lock arm 3692 as thecollar 2550 is displaced distally to fire the staples and then retractedproximally. The closure drive can then be operated to re-open the anvil2230 to unclamp the tissue and/or detach the anvil 2230 from the trocarshaft 3650. As the anvil 2230 is being re-opened, the spring 3699 biasesthe lock arm 3692 into a lock recess 3652 defined in the trocar shaft3650 and/or anvil 2230. Once the lock arm 3692 is positioned in the lockrecess 3652, the lock arm 3692 prevents the trocar shaft 3650 from beingretracted proximally. In the event that the closure drive is operated inan attempt to retract the trocars shaft 3650 the lock arm 3692 will abuta lock shoulder defined in the lock recess 3652 and prevent theretraction of the trocar shaft 3650 and anvil 2230. As a result, thelockout 3690 prevents the anvil 2230 from being re-clamped onto tissueafter the tool assembly 3600 has undergone, or at least partiallyundergone, a firing cycle and the tool assembly 3600 cannot be usedagain. Moreover, the lockout 3690 can serve as a spent cartridgelockout.

Turning now to FIGS. 59 and 60, a tool assembly 3700 comprises a staplecartridge 3720 and an anvil 3730. The tool assembly 3700 furthercomprises a closure system configured to move the anvil 3730 toward thestaple cartridge 3720 and, in addition, a firing system configured toeject, or fire, staples removably stored in the staple cartridge 3720.The anvil 3730 comprises a longitudinal shaft portion 3736 andattachment arms 3738 extending from the shaft portion 3736 which areconfigured to resiliently grip a closure actuator, or trocar, 3734 ofthe closure system. The closure actuator 3734 is retractable proximallyby a closure drive to move the trocar 3734 between an open, unclampedposition (FIG. 59) and a closed, clamped position (FIG. 60). When theclosure system is in its open configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 59,the staple firing system is disabled and cannot be actuated to fire thestaples stored in the staple cartridge 3720, as described in greaterdetail below.

Further to the above, the staple firing system comprises a rotatablefiring shaft 3750 comprising a threaded distal end and, in addition, atranslatable firing nut 2550 comprising a threaded aperture configuredto receive the threaded distal end of the firing shaft 3750. Notably,referring to FIG. 59, a gap is present between the threaded distal endof the firing shaft 3750 and the threaded aperture defined in the firingnut 2550 when the anvil 3730 is in its open position. As a result, thefiring shaft 3750 cannot displace the firing nut 2550 distally until thefiring shaft 3750 is threadably engaged with the firing nut 2550.

As illustrated in FIG. 60, the attachment arms 3738 of the anvil 3730are configured to engage the firing shaft 3750 and deflect the firingshaft 3750 outwardly when the anvil 3730 is moved into its closedposition. Referring primarily to FIGS. 59A and 60A, the attachment arms3738 are configured to engage inwardly-extending projections 3758defined on the firing shaft 3750 and push the projections 3758 and theperimeter of the firing shaft 3750 outwardly. In such instances, thethreaded distal end of the firing shaft 3750 is pushed into operativeengagement with the threaded aperture of the firing nut 2550 at a threadinterface 3790 and, at such point, the firing shaft 3750 can displacethe firing nut 2550 distally to eject the staples from the staplecartridge 3720 when the firing shaft 3750 is rotated by a firing drive.When the anvil 3730 is re-opened, the firing shaft 3750 will return toits original configuration and become operably disengaged from thefiring nut 2550.

As a result of the above, the tool assembly 3700 comprises a lockoutwhich prevents the staples from being fired if the anvil 3730 is notattached to the closure system, if the anvil 3730 is improperly attachedto the closure system, and/or if the anvil 3730 is not sufficientlyclosed.

Turning now to FIGS. 61 and 62, a tool assembly 3800 comprises areplaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein,an anvil configured to deform the staples, a closure drive systemconfigured to move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge, and afiring system configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge.As discussed below, the tool assembly 3800 further comprises a lockoutconfigured to prevent the firing system from being operated unless thestaple cartridge is fully seated onto the tool assembly 3800.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge frame 3820 configured toengage a shaft frame 3810 of the tool assembly 3800. The staplecartridge further comprises a drive shaft 3830 which is inserted intothe shaft frame 3810 when the staple cartridge is assembled to the toolassembly 3800. More particularly, referring primarily to FIG. 64, thedrive shaft 3830 comprises a proximal end 3832 including an annular gearportion 3833 which is configured to engage and compress a transmission3860 of the firing system when the staple cartridge is assembled to thetool assembly 3800. Referring primarily to FIG. 62, the transmission3860 comprises a first portion 3862, a second portion 3864, and a thirdportion 3868 which, when pushed into operative engagement with eachother, are able to transmit a rotary input motion to the drive shaft3830.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 63 and 64, the annular gear portion 3833 ofthe drive shaft 3830 is configured to engage a corresponding gearportion 3863 defined on the distal side of the first transmissionportion 3862 and, when the first transmission portion 3862 is pushedproximally by the drive shaft 3830, the first transmission portion 3862can operably engage the second transmission portion 3864. Morespecifically, the first transmission portion 3862 comprises a proximalgear portion 3865 which engages a distal gear portion 3866 of the secondtransmission portion 3864 and, concurrently, pushes the secondtransmission portion 3864 proximally when the first transmission portion3862 is pushed proximally by the drive shaft 3830. When the secondtransmission portion 3864 is pushed proximally by the first transmissionportion 3862, similar to the above, the second transmission portion 3864can operably engage the third transmission portion 3868. Morespecifically, the second transmission portion 3862 comprises a proximalgear portion 3867 which engages a distal gear portion 3869 of the thirdtransmission portion 3864 when the first transmission portion 3862 andthe second transmission portion 3864 are pushed proximally by the driveshaft 3830. The third transmission portion 3868 is operably coupled toan input shaft and supported from being displaced proximally by theinput shaft and/or the shaft housing 3810.

Referring primarily to FIG. 61, the transmission 3860 further comprisesat least one spring member 3870 positioned intermediate the firsttransmission portion 3862 and the second transmission portion 3864. Inat least one instance, the spring member 3870 can comprise one or morewave springs, for example. The spring member 3870 is configured to biasthe first transmission portion 3862 and the second transmission portion3864 apart from one another. In addition to or in lieu of the above, thetransmission 3860 further comprises at least one spring member 3870positioned intermediate the second transmission portion 3864 and thethird transmission portion 3868 which, similar to the above, isconfigured to bias the second transmission portion 3864 and the thirdtransmission portion 3868 apart from one another. Referring primarily toFIG. 65, each spring member 3870 comprises two disc springs 3872 whichare configured to deflect when a compressive force is applied thereto;however, the springs members 3870 can comprise any suitableconfiguration.

Further to the above, and referring again to FIG. 61, the input shaft ofthe tool assembly 3800 can rotate the third transmission portion 3868;however, the rotation of the third transmission portion 3868 cannot betransmitted to the second transmission portion 3864 unless the springmember 3870 positioned intermediate the second transmission portion 3864and the third transmission portion 3868 has been sufficiently compressedto connect the proximal gear portion 3867 of the second transmissionportion 3864 with the distal gear portion 3869 of the third transmissionportion 3868. Similarly, the second transmission portion 3864 cannottransmit rotary motion to the first transmission portion 3862 unless thespring member 3870 positioned intermediate the first transmissionportion 3862 and the second transmission portion 3864 has beensufficiently compressed to connect the proximal gear portion 3865 of thefirst transmission portion 3862 and the distal gear portion 3866 of thesecond transmission portion 3864. As discussed above, the drive shaft3830 engages the first transmission portion 3862 with the secondtransmission portion 3864 and engages the second transmission portion3864 with the third transmission portion 3868 when the staple cartridgeis fully seated onto the shaft frame 3810, as illustrated in FIG. 62. Insuch instances, the rotation of the input shaft can be transmitted tothe drive shaft 3830. If the staple cartridge is not fully seated ontothe shaft frame 3810, however, one or more of the transmission portions3862, 3864, and 3868 are not operably engaged with each other and therotation of the input shaft cannot be transmitted to the drive shaft3830. Thus, the tool assembly 3800 assures that the staples storedwithin the staple cartridge cannot be ejected from the staple cartridgeunless the staple cartridge is fully seated onto the shaft frame 3810.

Turning now to FIGS. 66-68, a tool assembly 3900 comprises a shaft 3910and a replaceable staple cartridge 3920. The replaceable staplecartridge 3920 comprises a closure drive configured to move an anvilrelative to the staple cartridge 3920 and, in addition, a firing drivecomprising a rotatable firing shaft 3930 configured to eject staplesremovably stored in the staple cartridge 3920. Similar to the above, thetool assembly 3900 comprises a lockout configured to prevent the firingdrive from ejecting the staples from the staple cartridge 3920 unlessthe staple cartridge 3920 is fully, or sufficiently, seated onto theshaft 3910. More specifically, the lockout prevents the firing shaft3930 from rotating within the staple cartridge 3920 unless the staplecartridge 3920 is fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft 3910. Invarious instances, referring to FIG. 67, the firing shaft 3930 comprisesan annular array of lock apertures 3939 defined in the outer perimeterthereof and the staple cartridge 3920 comprises at least one lock 3929configured to releasably engage a lock aperture 3939 defined in theshaft 3930. The lock 3929 comprises a proximally-extending cantileverbeam; however, any suitable configuration could be utilized. The lock3929 further comprises a locking projection that extends into the lockaperture 3939 and prevents the firing shaft 3930 from rotating, or atleast substantially rotating, relative to the body of the staplecartridge 3920. The lock 3929 is configured such that it is biased intoengagement with a lock aperture 3939 defined in the firing shaft 3930until the lock 3929 is lifted out of the lock aperture 3939 when thestaple cartridge 3920 is fully, or sufficiently, assembled to the shaft3910, as illustrated in FIG. 68. Referring to FIG. 68, the outer housingof the shaft 3910 comprises a wedge 3919 configured to lift the lock3929 away from the firing shaft 3930 and disengage the lock 3929 fromthe lock aperture 3939. The wedge 3919 is configured such that it doesnot disengage the lock 3929 from the firing shaft 3930 unless the staplecartridge 3920 has been fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft3910, as illustrated in FIG. 68. FIG. 67 illustrates a scenario wherethe staple cartridge 3920 has not been fully, or sufficiently, seatedonto the shaft 3910.

Turning now to FIGS. 69-71, a tool assembly 4000 comprises a shaft 4010and a replaceable staple cartridge 4020. The replaceable staplecartridge 4020 comprises a closure drive configured to move an anvilrelative to the staple cartridge 4020 and, in addition, a firing drivecomprising a rotatable firing shaft 3930 configured to eject staplesremovably stored in the staple cartridge 4020. The staple cartridge 4020comprises a lock 4029 configured to releasably connect the staplecartridge 4020 to the shaft 4010. The lock 4029 comprises aproximally-extending cantilever and a lock shoulder 4028 extendingtherefrom. The lock 4029 is configured to deflect inwardly within theshaft 4010 as the staple cartridge 4020 is assembled to the shaft 4010and then resiliently return to, or at least toward, its undeflectedstate when the lock shoulder 4028 of the lock 4029 becomes aligned witha window 4019 defined in the outer housing of the shaft 4010. In suchinstances, the lock shoulder 4028 enters into the window 4019 when thestaple cartridge 4020 has been fully, or sufficiently, seated on theshaft 4010, as illustrated in FIG. 70. In order to unlock the staplecartridge 4020, a clinician can insert a tool or their finger, forexample, into the window and depress the lock 4029 away from the window4019. At such point, the staple cartridge 4020 can be removed from theshaft 4010 and, if the clinician so desires, and attach a new staplecartridge to the shaft 4010.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, a surgical stapling system cancomprise an electrical lockout configured to prevent the closure driveof the stapling system from clamping the anvil onto the tissue and/orprevent the firing drive from performing its firing stroke when a staplecartridge has not been fully, or sufficiently, seated onto the shaft ofthe stapling system. In various instances, the stapling system cancomprise a sensor configured to detect whether a staple cartridge hasbeen fully, or sufficiently, seated on the shaft and, in addition, anelectrical motor configured to operate the firing drive. In the eventthat the sensor detects that a staple cartridge has not been fully, orsufficiently, attached to the shaft, the motor can be electricallyde-activated. In various instances, the stapling system comprises acontroller, such as a microprocessor, for example, which is incommunication with the sensor and the electric motor. In at least oneinstance, the controller is configured to, one, permit the electricmotor to be operated if the sensor detects a properly seated staplecartridge on the shaft and, two, prevent the electric motor from beingoperated if the sensor detects an improperly seated staple cartridge onthe shaft.

Turning now to FIG. 72, a tool assembly kit 4100 comprises a shaft 4110and a plurality of staple cartridges, such as 4120, 4120′, 4120″, and4120′″, for example. Each staple cartridge 4120, 4120′, 4120″, and4120′″ is configured to apply circular rows of staples having adifferent diameter. For example, the staple cartridge 4120′″ isconfigured to apply staples in a pattern having a large diameter whilethe staple cartridge 4120 is configured to apply staples in a patternhaving a small diameter. In various instances, different staplecartridges can deploy staples having different unformed heights. In atleast one instance, staple cartridges that apply staples in largerpatterns deploy staples having a larger undeformed height while staplecartridges that apply staples in smaller patterns deploy staples havinga smaller undeformed height. In some instances, a staple cartridge candeploy staples having two or more unformed heights. In any event, astaple cartridge selected from the plurality of staple cartridges can beassembled to the shaft 4110.

Referring to FIGS. 72 and 73, the tool assembly 4100 comprises adetection circuit 4190 configured to detect whether a staple cartridgeis fully, or sufficiently, attached to the shaft 4110. The detectioncircuit 4190 is not entirely contained within the shaft 4110; rather, astaple cartridge must be properly assembled to the shaft 4110 tocomplete the detection circuit 4190. The detection circuit 4190comprises conductors 4193 that extend through a passage 4192 defined inthe frame of the shaft 4110 and/or along the outer housing of the shaft4110. Referring primarily to FIG. 73, each conductor 4193 iselectrically coupled to an electrical contact 4194 defined in the distalend of the housing. The staple cartridge 4120, for example, comprisescorresponding electrical contacts 4195 which are positioned and arrangedon the body 4122 of the staple cartridge 4120 such that the contacts4195 engage the contacts 4194 on the shaft 4110. The staple cartridge4120 further comprises conductors 4196 extending through and/or alongthe cartridge body 4122. Each conductor 4196 is electrically coupledwith a contact 4195. In certain instances, the conductors 4196 aredirectly coupled to one another and, in such instances, the detectioncircuit 4190 is closed once the staple cartridge 4120 is properlyassembled to the shaft 4110.

In certain instances, further to the above, the detection circuit 4190of the tool assembly 4100 extends through a deck portion 4124 of thestaple cartridge 4120. In at least one instance, the deck portion 4124is movably attached to the cartridge body 4122. More specifically, in atleast one such instance, spring members 4198 are positioned intermediatethe cartridge body 4122 and the deck portion 4124 and are configured topermit the deck portion 4124 to move, or float, relative to thecartridge body 4122 when tissue is compressed against the deck portion4124. In at least one instance, the spring members 4198 comprise one ormore wave springs, for example. The spring members 4198 also form anelectrically conductive pathway between the cartridge body 4122 and thedeck portion 4124. More specifically, the spring members 4198 arepositioned intermediate electrical contacts 4197 and 4199 defined on thecartridge body 4122 and the deck portion 4124, respectively. Theconductors 4196 are electrically coupled to electrical contacts 4197defined on the distal end of the cartridge body 4122 and the electricalcontacts 4199 are electrically coupled to one another through aconductor in the deck portion 4125. As discussed above, the detectioncircuit 4190 is closed once the staple cartridge 4120 is properlyassembled to the shaft 4110.

Turning now to FIGS. 74-76, a tool assembly 4200 comprises a lockoutconfigured to prevent a replaceable circular staple cartridge from beingfired more than once, as described in greater detail further below. Inuse, a replaceable circular staple cartridge 4220 is assembled to ashaft 4210 of the tool assembly 4200. The tool assembly 4200 is thenpositioned in the surgical site and an anvil 2230 is assembled to thetrocar 2450 of the closure drive. The closure drive is then used to movethe anvil 2230 toward the staple cartridge 4220 to clamp the patient'stissue against the staple cartridge 4220 until the anvil 2230 reaches aclosed, or clamped, position. This position of the anvil 2230 isillustrated in FIG. 74. At such point, the firing drive can be operatedto deploy the staples removably stored in the staple cartridge 4220. Thefiring drive comprises, among other things, a rotatable drive shaft 4230which is threadably engaged with a drive collar 4240 and, in addition, astaple firing driver 2560. The drive collar 4240 and the firing driver2560 comprise separate components; however, the drive collar 4240 andthe firing driver 2560 could be integrally formed in alternativeembodiments. The firing drive is rotatable in a first direction during afiring stroke to push the drive collar 4240 and the staple firing driver2560 distally between an unfired position (FIG. 74) and a fired position(FIG. 75) to eject the staples from the staple cartridge 4220. The drivecollar 4240 and the staple driver 2560 are prevented from rotatingwithin the staple cartridge 4220 and, as a result, the drive shaft 4230rotates relative to the drive collar 4240 and the staple driver 2560.

Further to the above, the drive collar 4240 comprises one or morelockouts 4290 extending proximally therefrom. Each lockout 4290comprises a lockout pin 4292 slidably positioned within a pin aperture4293 defined in the drive collar 4240. Each lockout 4290 furthercomprises a biasing member, such as a spring 4294, for example,configured to bias the pins 4292 proximally. When the firing drive is inits unfired configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 74, the lockouts 4290are not engaged with the rotatable drive shaft 4230 and/or the frame4222 of the staple cartridge 4220. As the drive collar 4240 and thestaple driver 2560 are pushed distally by the drive shaft 4230, thelockout pins 4292 move away from the drive shaft 4230, as illustrated inFIG. 75. After the firing stroke has been completed and the staples havebeen sufficiently deformed against the anvil 2230, the drive shaft 4230is rotated in an opposite direction to pull the drive collar 4240 andthe staple driver 4260 proximally during a retraction stroke. In suchinstances, the lockouts 4290 are moved toward the drive shaft 4230.Notably, the retraction stroke is longer than the firing stroke and, asa result, the drive collar 4240 is moved proximally with respect to itsoriginal unfired position into a retracted position, as illustrated inFIG. 76. In this retracted position of the drive collar 4240, thelockouts 4290 have become engaged with the drive shaft 4230 and theframe 4222 of the staple cartridge 4220. More specifically, each lockout4290 has entered into a lockout aperture defined between the drive shaft4230 and the cartridge frame 4222. Referring now to FIG. 78, eachlockout aperture is defined by an aperture wall 4295 in the drive shaft4230 and an aperture wall 4296 in the frame 4222. Once the lockout pins4292 have entered the lockout apertures, the drive collar 4240 cannot berotated by the drive shaft 4230 and the firing system of the staplecartridge 4220 has become locked out. As a result, that particularstaple cartridge 4220 cannot be used again and must be replaced with anew staple cartridge in order for the tool assembly 4200 to be usedagain.

The reader should appreciate, further to the above, that the lockoutpins 4292 may or may not be partially positioned in the lockoutapertures when the firing drive is in its unfired configuration asillustrated in FIG. 74. To the extent, however, that the lockout pins4292 are partially positioned in the lockout apertures, in suchinstances, the pins 4292 can displace distally within the pin apertures4293 defined in the drive collar 4240 when the firing drive shaft 4230is rotated. As the reader should also appreciate, the lockout pins 4292are seated deeply enough into the lockout apertures defined in the driveshaft 4230 when the drive collar 4240 is moved into its retractedposition so as to prevent the pins 4292 from being displaced distallyout of the lockout apertures if the firing drive shaft 4230 is rotatedin its first direction once again.

Referring again to FIG. 78, the sidewalls 4295 and 4296 of the lockoutapertures are aligned with one another when the drive collar 4240 is inits retracted position. When the drive shaft 4230 is rotated, however,the sidewalls 4295 defined in the drive shaft 4230 will rotate out ofalignment with the sidewalls 4296 defined in the cartridge frame 4222.In some instances, the sidewalls 4295 may momentarily rotate intore-alignment with the sidewalls 4296 as the firing drive 4230 isrotated. In any event, referring now to FIG. 77, the sidewalls 4295 arenot aligned with the sidewalls 4296 when the firing system is in itsunfired configuration. As a result, the lockout pins 4292 cannot enterinto the lockout apertures when the firing system is in its unfiredconfiguration and the staple cartridge 4220 cannot becomeunintentionally locked out.

In at least one alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 80, one ormore lockout apertures 4295″ can be exclusively defined in a drive shaft4230″ of a tool assembly 4200″. In such embodiments, the drive collar4240 would not be able to rotate relative to the drive shaft 4230″ oncethe lockout pins 4292 entered into the lockout apertures 4295″. Ineffect, the drive collar 4240 and the drive shaft 4230″ would becomesynchronously locked together, but not necessarily locked to the frameof the tool assembly 4200″, which would prevent the drive shaft 4230″from rotating relative to the drive collar 2440 and displacing the drivecollar 2440 distally.

In at least one alternative embodiment, referring now to FIG. 79, eachof the firing drive lockouts has a different configuration such thateach lockout pin is uniquely indexed with its corresponding lockoutaperture. For example, the tool assembly 4200′ comprises a first lockoutpin configured to enter a first lockout aperture defined by sidewalls4295 and 4296 and a second lockout pin configured to enter a secondlockout aperture defined by sidewalls 4295′ and 4296′. The first lockoutpin of the tool assembly 4200′, however, is sized and configured suchthat it cannot enter into the second lockout aperture and,correspondingly, the second lockout pin is sized and configured suchthat it cannot enter into the first lockout aperture. Moreover, neitherthe first lockout pin nor the second lockout pin can enter an apertureformed by a combination of sidewalls 4295 and 4296′ or an apertureformed by a combination of sidewalls 4295′ and 4296.

As discussed above, a stapling instrument configured to deploy circularrows of staples can comprise an articulation joint. The articulationjoint is configured to permit an end effector of the stapling instrumentto articulate relative to a shaft of the stapling instrument. Such astapling instrument can assist a surgeon in positioning the end effectorwithin the rectum and/or colon of a patient. In various embodiments,referring to FIG. 81, a stapling instrument configured to deploycircular rows of staples, such as stapling instrument 9000, for example,can be can comprise a contourable or adjustable frame 9010. The frame9010 can be configured to be permanently deformed during use. In atleast one such embodiment, the frame 9010 is comprised of a malleablemetal, such as silver, platinum, palladium, nickel, gold, and/or copper,for example. In certain embodiments, the frame 9010 is comprised of amalleable plastic, for example. In at least one embodiment, the frame iscomprised of a polymer including metal ions bonded with the polymerchains, such as ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), for example. Avoltage potential, or potentials, can be applied to the IPMC material inorder to defect the shaft in a desired manner. In certain instances, theshaft is contourable along one radius of curvature while, in otherinstances, the shaft is contourable along more than one radius ofcurvature. The voltage potential, or potentials, can be modified tocontour the shaft while the shaft is within the patient, for example. Incertain embodiments, the contourable portion of the frame comprises aplurality of pivotable links. In at least one embodiment, thecontourable portion of the frame is comprised of a visco-elasticmaterial.

Further to the above, the stapling instrument can further comprise alock configured to releasably hold the contourable portion of thestapling instrument frame in its contoured configuration. In at leastone instance, the stapling instrument frame comprises articulatableframe links and one or more longitudinal tension cables which can pullthe frame links proximally and lock the frame links together. In certaininstances, each frame link can comprise a longitudinal apertureextending therethrough which is configured to receive a distally movablerod. The rod is sufficiently flexible to pass through the longitudinalapertures, which may not be completely aligned with one another when thecontourable portion has been contoured, yet sufficiently rigid to holdthe stapling instrument in its contoured configuration.

As discussed herein, a surgical instrument can be comprised of aplurality of modules that are assembled to one another. For instance, inat least one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a first moduleincluding a handle and a second module including a shaft assembly. Theshaft assembly comprises an end effector configured to staple and/orincise the tissue of a patient; however, the shaft assembly can compriseany suitable end effector. In various instances, the end effectorcomprises a third module attachable to the shaft assembly. Referring nowto FIGS. 82 and 83, a handle, such as the handle 20, for example,comprises a controller and a display 10000 in communication with thecontroller. The controller is configured to display data regarding theoperation of the surgical instrument on the display 10000. The datadisplayed on the display 10000 relates information to a surgeonregarding at least one operating parameter of the first module and/or atleast one operating parameter of the second module. For example, thecontroller can display data on the display 10000 regarding the progressof the staple firing stroke.

Further to the above, the shaft assembly comprises a second display. Forexample, the shaft assembly 2000 comprises a display 10100; however, anyof the shaft assemblies disclosed herein can comprise a display such asdisplay 10100, for example. The second module comprises its owncontroller configured to display data regarding the operation of thesurgical instrument on the display 10100. Similar to the above, the datadisplayed on the display 10100 relates information regarding at leastone operating parameter of the first module and/or at least oneoperating parameter of the second module. The controller of the secondmodule is in signal communication with the controller of the firstmodule; however, in other embodiments, the second module controller canoperate independently of the first module controller. In certainalternative embodiments, the second module does not comprise acontroller. In such embodiments, the controller of the first module isin signal communication with the first display 10000 and the seconddisplay 10100 and controls the data displayed on the first display 10000and the second display 10100.

As discussed above, the tool assembly 2000 comprises an anvil and astaple cartridge. The handle 20 comprises an actuation system configuredto move the anvil relative to the staple cartridge. The anvil ispositionable in a range of positions relative to the staple cartridge tocontrol the distance, or gap, between the anvil and the staple cartridgeand, as a result, control the forming height of the staples when thestaples are ejected from the staple cartridge. For instance, the anvilis positioned closer to the staple cartridge to deform the staples to ashorter formed height and positioned further away from the staplecartridge to deform the staples to a taller formed height. In any event,the second display 10100 of the tool assembly 2000 is configured todisplay the position of the anvil relative to the staple cartridgeand/or display the height in which the staples will be or have beenformed. In various embodiments, a shaft assembly can comprise anactuator configured to control a function of the end effector and adisplay which displays data regarding the end effector function which isadjacent to the actuator.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tool assembly 1500 comprises a shaft and an endeffector extending from the shaft. The shaft comprises a shaft frame alongitudinal shaft axis. The end effector comprises an end effectorframe and a longitudinal end effector axis. The end effector furthercomprises a distal head and a rotation joint which permits the distalhead to rotate relative to the end effector frame about the longitudinalend effector axis. The distal head comprises a first jaw and a secondjaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge including staplesremovably stored therein, or a channel configured to receive such astaple cartridge, and the second jaw comprises an anvil configured todeform the staples. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jawbetween an open position and a closed position; however, otherembodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is movable relative tothe second jaw and/or both the first jaw and the second jaw are movablerelative to each other.

In certain embodiments, a tool assembly can comprise an articulationjoint in addition to the rotation joint. In at least one suchembodiment, the rotation joint is distal with respect to thearticulation joint. In such an embodiment, the rotation of the distalhead does not affect the angle in which the end effector has beenarticulated. That said, other embodiments are envisioned in which thearticulation joint is distal with respect to the rotation joint. Suchembodiments can provide a wide sweep of the distal head. In eitherevent, the longitudinal end effector axis is movable relative to thelongitudinal shaft axis. In at least one instance, the longitudinal endeffector axis is movable between a position in which it is collinearwith the longitudinal shaft axis to a position in which it is transverseto the longitudinal shaft axis.

Further to the above, the distal head of the tool assembly 1500 isrotatable between an initial position and a rotated position. In atleast one instance, the distal head is rotatable between a zero, ortop-dead-center, position and a second position. In certain instances,the distal head is rotatable through an at least 360 degree range ofmotion. In other instances, the distal head is rotatable through a lessthan 360 degree range of rotation. In either event, the tool assembly1500 and/or the handle 20 is configured to track the rotational positionof the distal head. In various instances, the tool assembly 1500 and/orthe handle 20 comprises an electric motor operably coupled with thedistal head of the end effector and, in addition, an encoder configuredto directly track the rotation of the distal head and/or indirectlytrack the rotation of the distal head by evaluating the rotationalposition of the shaft of the electric motor, for example. The controllerof the handle 20 is in signal communication with the encoder and isconfigured to display the rotational position of the distal head on thedisplay 10000, for example.

In at least one embodiment, the orientation and the arrangement of thedata displayed on the display 10000 is static while the distal head ofthe end effector rotates. Of course, the data displayed on the display10000 in such an embodiment would be updated by the surgical instrumentcontroller; however, the data display is not re-oriented and/orre-arranged as the distal head rotates. Such an embodiment can provide asurgeon with the information necessary to properly utilize the surgicalinstrument in a static field. In at least one alternative embodiment,the data field on the display 10000 is dynamic. In this context, theterm dynamic means more than the data being updated on the display10000; rather, the term dynamic means that the data is re-orientedand/or re-arranged on the display 10000 as the distal head is rotated.In at least one instance, the orientation of the data tracks theorientation of the distal head. For example, if the distal head isrotated 30 degrees, the data field on the display 10000 is rotated 30degrees. In various instances, the distal head is rotatable 360 degreesand the data field is rotatable 360 degrees.

Further to the above, the data field can be oriented in any orientationthat matches the orientation of the distal head. Such an embodiment canprovide a surgeon with an accurate and intuitive sense of theorientation of the distal head. In certain embodiments, the controllerorients the data field in an orientation selected from an array ofdiscrete positions that most closely matches the orientation of thedistal head. For instance, if the distal head has been rotated 27degrees and the selectable discrete data field positions are 15 degreesapart, the controller can re-orient the data field 30 degrees from adatum orientation. Similarly, for example, if the distal head has beenrotated 17 degrees and the selectable discrete data field positions are5 degrees apart, the controller can re-orient the data field 15 degreesfrom the datum orientation. In at least one embodiment, the datumorientation is aligned with a feature of the surgical instrument itself.For example, the datum orientation of the handle 20 is aligned with anaxis extending through a grip of the handle 20. In such an embodiment,the controller can disregard the orientation of the handle 20 withrespect to its environment. In at least one alternative embodiment,however, the datum orientation is aligned with respect to thegravitational axis, for example.

Further to the above, the controller is configured to re-orient theentire data field displayed on the display 10000 with respect to theorientation of the distal head. In other embodiments, the controller isconfigured to re-orient only a portion of the data field displaced onthe display 10000 with respect to the orientation of the distal head. Insuch an embodiment, a portion of the data field is held static withrespect to the datum orientation while another portion of the data fieldis rotated with respect to the datum orientation. In certainembodiments, a first portion of the data field is rotated a first angleof rotation and a second portion of the data field is rotated a secondangle of rotation in the same direction. For instance, the secondportion can be rotated less than the first portion. In variousembodiments, a first portion of the data field is rotated in a firstdirection and a second portion of the data field is rotated in a second,or opposite, direction.

Further to the above, the data field is re-oriented and/or re-arrangedin real time, or at least substantially in real time, with the rotationof the distal head. Such an embodiment provides a very responsive datadisplay. In other embodiments, the re-orientation and/or re-arrangementof the data field can lag the rotation of the distal head. Suchembodiments can provide a data display with less jitter. In variousembodiments, a first portion of the data field is re-oriented and/orre-arranged at a first speed and a second portion of the data field isre-oriented and/or re-arranged at a second, or different, speed. Forinstance, the second portion can be rotated at a slower speed.

As discussed above, the data field on the display 10000 is rotated asthe distal head of the end effector is rotated. However, in otherembodiments, the data field, or a portion of the data field, istranslated as the distal head is rotated. As also discussed above, thecontroller of the surgical instrument is configured to re-orient and/orre-arrange the data field on the handle display 10000. However, thecontroller of the surgical instrument can re-orient and/or re-arrangethe data field on a second display, such as a shaft display, forexample.

Referring again to FIGS. 15 and 83, the tool assembly 2000 comprises anactuator 10200 configured to actuate the articulation drive system ofthe tool assembly 2000. The actuator 10200 is rotatable about alongitudinal axis which is parallel to, or at least substantiallyparallel to, a longitudinal axis of the shaft 2100, for example. Theactuator 10200 is operably coupled to a rheostat, for example, which isin signal communication with a controller of the handle 20. When theactuator 10200 is rotated in a first direction about its longitudinalaxis, the rheostat detects the rotation of the actuator 10200 and thecontroller operates the electric motor to articulate the end effector2200 in a first direction. Similarly, when the actuator 10200 is rotatedin a second, or opposite, direction about its longitudinal axis, therheostat detects the rotation of the actuator 10200 and the controlleroperates the electric motor to articulate the end effector 2200 in asecond, or opposite, direction. In various instances, the end effector2200 can be articulated approximately 30 degrees from a longitudinalaxis in a first direction and/or articulated approximately 30 degreesfrom the longitudinal axis in a second, or opposite, direction, forexample.

As the reader should appreciate, further to the above, the tool assembly2000 does not have an on-board electric motor configured to operate thearticulation drive system; rather, the electric motor of thearticulation drive system is in the handle, such as handle 20, forexample, to which the tool assembly 2000 is attached. As a result, anactuator on the detachable shaft assembly controls the operation of thehandle. In other embodiments, the electric motor of the articulationdriver system can be in the tool assembly 2000. In either event, thedisplay 10100 is configured to display, in at least some manner, thearticulation of the end effector 2200. As the reader should appreciate,the display 10100 is adjacent the actuator 10200 and, as a result, thesurgeon is able to easily view the input and the output of thearticulation drive system at the same time.

A surgical tool assembly comprising a contourable shaft, further to theabove, can be advantageously shaped to fit within the rectum or colon ofa patient, for example. Such a contourable shaft, however, cannot bear asignificant amount of tensile and/or compressive loads. To compensatetherefor, in various embodiments, only rotatable drive systems mayextend through the contourable portion of the shaft. In such instances,the shaft need only resist the rotational reaction forces generated bythe rotatable drive systems. In such embodiments, the rotational motionof the drive systems can be converted to linear motion, if necessary,distally with respect to the contourable shaft portion. Suchlongitudinal motions can generate tensile and/or compressive forces;however, such forces can be resolved, or balanced out, within the endeffector, i.e., distally with respect to the contourable shaft portion.Such embodiments can also utilize an articulation joint positioneddistally with respect to the contourable shaft portion. In suchembodiments, the tool assembly may not utilize push-pull drive systemswhich traverse the contourable shaft portion.

An anvil 6020 of a circular stapling instrument is illustrated in FIGS.84 and 85. The anvil 6020 comprises a tissue compression surface 6022and an annular array of staple forming pockets 6024 defined in thetissue compression surface 6022. The anvil 6020 further comprises aframe 6028, an attachment mount 6026, and a stem extending from theattachment mount 6026. The stem is configured to be releasably attachedto a closure drive of the circular stapling instrument so that the anvil6020 can be moved toward and away from a staple cartridge of thecircular stapling instrument. The compression surface 6022, theattachment mount 6026, and the frame 6028 are comprised of stainlesssteel, for example; however, any suitable material, or materials, couldbe used.

Further to the above, the anvil 6020 comprises a tissue support 6030.The tissue support 6030 is positioned within an annular aperture definedwithin the tissue support surface 6022. The tissue support 6030 issnugly secured within the anvil 6020 such that there is little, if any,relative movement therebetween. The tissue support 6030 comprises anannular tissue support surface 6032 which is adjacent to the annulartissue compression surface 6022 of the anvil 6020. The tissue support6030 further comprises an inner annular wall 6036 defined therein and,in addition, a bottom wall 6038 positioned adjacent the anvil frame 6028of the anvil 6020.

Referring now to FIG. 86, the circular stapling instrument comprises astaple cartridge 6040 including a first annular row of staples 6070, asecond annular row of staples 6080, and a firing drive configured toeject the staples 6070 and 6080 from the staple cartridge 6040 during afiring stroke of the firing drive. As illustrated in FIG. 86, thestaples 6070 and 6080 are deformed by the forming pockets 6024 as theyare ejected from the staple cartridge 6040. In various instances, thestaples 6070 and the staples 6080 are deformed to the same height while,in other instances, the staples 6070 and the staples 6080 are deformedto different heights. For example, the staples 6070 can be deformed to ashorter deformed height than the staples 6080. In other examples, thestaples 6080 are deformed to a shorter height than the staples 6070.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, the staples 6070 and the staples6080 can have different unformed heights. For example, the staples 6070can have a shorter unformed height than the staples 6080. In otherexamples, the staples 6080 have a shorter unformed height than thestaples 6070. In certain instances, the staples 6070 and the staples6080 have the same unformed height.

As the staples 6070 and 6080 are deformed against the anvil 6020 tostaple the tissue T captured between the anvil 6020 and the staplecartridge 6040, further to the above, the stapling instrument can incisethe tissue T. The firing drive, which ejects the staples from theirstaple cavities, drives a cutting member 6050 toward the tissue T andthe anvil 6020. The distal edge of the cutting member 6050 transects thetissue T and then slides along the inner sidewall 6036 of the tissuesupport 6030 without transecting the inner sidewall 6036. The cuttingedge of the cutting member 6050 is annular and it is aligned with theannular inner wall 6036 of the tissue support 6030. The cutting member6050 is advanced into the anvil 6020 until the cutting member 6050transects the bottom wall 6038, as illustrated in FIG. 86.

The firing drive experiences various loads when driving the staples 6070and 6080 against the anvil 6020 and/or cutting the tissue. For instance,the firing drive may experience an increased load when transectingtissue that has been previously stapled, such as with staples 6090 (FIG.86), for example. The transection of the bottom wall 6038 by the cuttingmember 6050, however, creates a sudden change or impulse in the forcetransmitted through the firing drive. This sudden change by the forcecan be sensed by the clinician using the surgical stapler and/or anelectronic sensor system configured to detect load changes in the firingdrive. The tissue support 6030 can be comprised of a material that cansnap when the cutting member 6050 applies a load to the bottom wall6038. In at least one instance, the tissue support 6030 is comprised ofplastic, for example. In any event, the transection of the bottom wall6038 can be detected and, once detected, the clinician and/or theelectronic sensor system can determine that the cutting process has beencompleted.

The firing drive deforms the staples 6070, 6080 and incises the tissuewith the cutting member 6050 at the same time; however, it iscontemplated that the staple forming and tissue cutting steps could bestaggered. In at least one instance, the tissue cutting step does notbegin until the staple forming step has been completed.

It should be appreciated from FIG. 86 that, while surface 6032 canpartially support the tissue T, the cutting member 6050 can push thetissue T into the cavity defined between the inner wall 6036 of thetissue support 6030 and the attachment mount 6026 when the cuttingmember 6050 is moved toward the bottom wall 6038. Stated another way,the cutting member 6050 can drag the tissue T along the wall 6036 beforefinally cutting it. In such instances, the incision made by the cuttingmember 6050 may not be precise. Discussed below are improvements to theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 86.

Turning now to FIGS. 87 and 88, the tissue support 6030 of anvil 6020has been replaced with a tissue support 6130. The tissue support 6130comprises a first, or outer, annular wall 613 land a second, or inner,annular wall 6133. The inner wall 6133 defines an aperture 6136configured to closely receive the attachment mount 6026. The outer wall6131 and the inner wall 6133 are connected by lateral walls 6132. Thelateral walls 6132 extend radially around a center of the tissue support6130 between the inner wall 6133 and the outer wall 6131. The lateralwalls 6132 are evenly spaced apart from one another; however,alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the lateral walls 6132are not evenly spaced apart from one another. In either event, thelateral walls 6132 define an annular array of cavities 6134 in thetissue support 6130. In various instances, each cavity 6134 can beenclosed on every side but the side facing the tissue, for example. Inother instances, the side of the cavity facing the tissue can beenclosed.

The outer wall 6131 and the inner wall 6133 of the tissue support 6130are configured to support the tissue as the tissue is being transectedby the cutting member 6050. The lateral walls 6132 also support thetissue and, in addition, block or resist the tissue from slidingrelative to the outer wall 6131 and the inner wall 6133 as the tissue isbeing transected. It should be understood that the tissue can enter thecavities 6134 when the tissue is being transected; however, the relativemovement between the tissue and the sidewalls can be greatly reduced.The composition and arrangement of the lateral walls 6132 can beselected to provide more support to the tissue or less support to thetissue depending on the amount of support that is desired. For instance,thicker lateral walls 6132 can provide more tissue support than thinnerlateral walls 6132. Similarly, more lateral walls 6132 can provide moretissue support than thinner lateral walls 6132.

As the cutting member 6050 is moved through its cutting stroke, thecutting member 6050 cuts the tissue and transects the lateral walls6132. The cutting member 6050 is annular and transects the lateral walls6132 adjacent the outer wall 6131; however, a cutting member couldtransect the walls 6132 at any suitable location. In any event, thelateral walls 6132 support the tissue before, during, and after thetissue is cut and prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, thetissue being dragged along the outer wall 6131 and/or the inner wall6133. Similar to the tissue support 6030, the tissue support 6130comprises a bottom wall 6138 that is transected at the end of thecutting stroke.

A surgical stapler comprising a staple cartridge 6240 and an anvil 6220is disclosed in FIGS. 89 and 90. The staple cartridge 6240 is similar tothe staple cartridge 6040 in many respects. The anvil 6220 is similar tothe anvil 6020 and the anvil 6120 in many respects. The anvil 6220comprises an attachment stem 6226 and an annular tissue support 6230positioned around the attachment stem 6226. The tissue support 6230comprises a central aperture configured to closely receive the stem6226. The tissue support 6230 further comprises an annular outer wall6231 positioned adjacent the tissue compression surface of the anvil6220 and, in addition, lateral walls 6232 extending radially from theouter wall 6231. The tissue support 6230 does not comprise an innerannual wall and the inner ends of the lateral walls 6232 are free todeflect. The tissue support 6230 further comprises a bottom wall 6238which is incised by the cutting member 6050, similar to the above.

A surgical stapler comprising the staple cartridge 6240 and the anvil6220 is illustrated in FIGS. 91 and 92. The reader should appreciate,however, that the tissue support 6230 of the anvil 6220 has beenreplaced with a tissue support 6330. The tissue support 6330 comprisesan annular central aperture configured to closely receive the stem 6226.The tissue support 6330 further comprises a top wall 6332, a bottom wall6338, and sidewalls 6336 extending between the top wall 6332 and thebottom wall 6338. The top wall 6332 and the bottom wall 6338 areparallel, or at least substantial parallel; however, embodiments areenvisioned in which the walls 6332 and 6338 are not parallel. Thesidewalls 6336 are parallel, or at least substantial parallel; however,embodiments are envisioned in which the sidewalls 6336 are not parallel.

The walls 6332, 6336, and 6338 define an annular cavity 6334therebetween. The cavity 6334 is enclosed, or at least substantiallyenclosed, on all sides. The cavity 6334 extends uninterrupted around thestem 6226; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the cavity6334 is interrupted by sidewalls and/or changes in geometry, forexample.

Similar to the above, the tissue support 6330 is configured to supportthe tissue as the tissue is being transected by the cutting member 6050.The tissue support 6330 is closely received within the anvil 6220 suchthat the tissue support 6330 does not move, or at least substantiallymove, relative to the anvil 6220. Moreover, the tissue support 6330comprises a rigid box-shaped cross-section such that the deflection ofthe tissue support 6330 is minimized or insubstantial while the cuttingmember 6050 is transecting the tissue. As illustrated in FIG. 91, a gapis present between the bottom wall 6338 and the inner side wall 6336.Such a gap can provide some flexibility in the tissue support 6330;however, other embodiments are envisioned in which no such gaps arepresent. The tissue support 6330 is comprised of plastic, for example;however, in various embodiments, the tissue support 6330 can becomprised of a flexible and/or elastomeric material, for example.

The cutting member 6050 transects the tissue support 6330 during itscutting stroke. As illustrated in FIG. 92, the cutting member 6050transects the top wall 6332 after transecting the tissue and then entersinto the cavity 6334. The top wall 6332 comprises an annular notch 6333defined therein which is aligned with the annular cutting edge of thecutting member 6050. The notch 6333 reduces the cross-section of the topwall 6332 and facilitates the incision of the top wall 6332. The cuttingmember 6050 can also transect the bottom wall 6338 during its cuttingstroke. As the reader should appreciate, the transection of the top wall6332 and the bottom wall 6338 of the tissue support 6330 can createforce pulses in the firing drive of the stapling instrument. The topwall 6332 and the bottom wall 6338 can be structurally configured toprovide different pulses so that the clinician and/or electronic sensorsystem of the surgical instrument can discern the difference between thepulses and not incorrectly interpret the incision of the top wall 6332as the end of the firing/cutting stroke.

Referring again to FIGS. 91 and 92, the top wall 6332 of the tissuesupport 6330 is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with thetissue compression surface 6022 of the anvil 6220. In addition to or inlieu of the above, the top wall 6332 can be recessed with respect to thetissue compression surface 6022 and/or extend above the tissuecompression surface 6022. The top wall 6332 of the tissue supportextends above the forming surfaces 6024 of the anvil 6220. In additionto or in lieu of the above, the top wall 6332 can be recessed withrespect to the forming surfaces 6024 and/or aligned with the formingsurfaces 6024.

A surgical stapler comprising the staple cartridge 6240 and the anvil6220 is illustrated in FIGS. 93 and 94. The reader should appreciate,however, that the tissue support 6230 of the anvil 6220 has beenreplaced with a tissue support 6430. The tissue support 6430 comprisesan annular central aperture configured to closely receive the stem 6226.The tissue support 6430 further comprises a top wall 6432, a bottom wall6438, and sidewalls 6436 extending between the top wall 6432 and thebottom wall 6438. The walls 6432, 6436, and 6438 define an annularcavity 6434 therebetween. The cavity 6434 is enclosed, or at leastsubstantially enclosed, on all sides. The cavity 6434 extendsuninterrupted around the stem 6226; however, other embodiments areenvisioned in which the cavity 6434 is interrupted by sidewalls and/orchanges in geometry, for example.

Similar to the above, the tissue support 6430 is configured to supportthe tissue as the tissue is being transected by the cutting member 6050.The tissue support 6430 is closely received within the anvil 6220 suchthat the tissue support 6430 does not move, or at least substantiallymove, relative to the anvil 6220. Moreover, the tissue support 6430comprises a rigid polygonal cross-section such that the deflection ofthe tissue support 6430 is minimized or insubstantial while the cuttingmember 6050 is transecting the tissue. As illustrated in FIG. 93, a gapis present between the bottom wall 6438 and the inner side wall 6436.Such a gap can provide some flexibility in the tissue support 6430;however, other embodiments are envisioned in which no such gaps arepresent. The tissue support 6430 is comprised of plastic, for example;however, in various embodiments, the tissue support 6430 can becomprised of a flexible and/or elastomeric material, for example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 93 and 94, the inner sidewall 6436 is shorterthan the outer sidewall 3436; however, other embodiments are envisionedin which the outer sidewall 6436 is shorter than the inner sidewall6436. Moreover, the top wall 6432 is not parallel to the bottom wall6438. More specifically, the top wall 6432 comprises an inclined portionwhich extends transversely to the bottom wall 6438 and/or other portionsof the top wall 6432.

The cutting member 6050 transects the tissue support 6430 during itscutting stroke. As illustrated in FIG. 94, the cutting member 6050transects the top wall 6432 after transecting the tissue and then entersinto the cavity 6434. The cutting member 6050 can also transect thebottom wall 6438 during its cutting stroke.

As discussed above, the tissue supports disclosed herein are configuredto support tissue as the tissue is being incised by a cutting member.Oftentimes, the tissue being incised by the cutting member has beenpreviously stapled, i.e., stapled during an earlier step in the surgicalprocedure, for example. In various instances, such staples may also beincised by the cutting member even though they are comprised of metal,such as titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. In otherinstances, such staples may not be incised by the cutting member;rather, they may be pushed into the material comprising the tissuesupport. Whether or not the staples are incised by the cutting member,the tissue supports disclosed herein, in various instances, comprise asufficient strength and/or stiffness that prevents a staple trappedagainst the tissue support by the cutting member from creating more thanlocalized plastic deformation in the tissue support. In at least onesuch instance, the localized plastic deformation is limited to less thanone characteristic length (CL) of the staple in any direction withrespect to the staple. In at least one instance, the material of thetissue support can be selected such that the staple trapped against thetissue support may only create a zone of plastic deformation in thetissue support that has a diameter of less than 2*CL, for example. Inother instances, the material of the tissue support can be selected suchthat the staple trapped against the tissue support may only create azone of plastic deformation in the tissue support that has a diameter ofless than 1.5*CL, for example. A characteristic length of a staple canbe the width of the staple crown, or backspan, and/or the formed heightof the staple legs in their deformed configuration, for example.Moreover, the tissue supports disclosed herein can be comprised of amaterial which is sufficiently hard enough to support the staples asthey are being incised by the cutting member. In at least one instance,the hardness of the material comprising the tissue support is equal toor greater than the hardness of the material comprising the staplesbeing incised against the tissue support. In certain instances, thehardness of the material comprising the tissue support is less than thehardness of the material comprising the staples being incised; however,the structural design of the tissue support is sufficient to prevent thetissue support from plastically stretching beyond an acceptable zone ofplastic deformation. In certain instances, the energy needed to incisethe tissue and the formed staples in the tissue is less than the energyneeded to incise the tissue support. In various instances, the materialcomprising the tissue support may be resistant to being gouged by thestaples. In at least one instance, a biocompatible lubricant may beplaced on and/or impregnated within the tissue support to prevent thestaples from catching on the tissue support.

In various instances, the tissue compression surface of an anvil and thetissue contacting surface of a tissue support are flat, or at leastsubstantially flat. Such an arrangement can distribute the force appliedby the anvil onto the tissue over a large area. Other embodiments areenvisioned in which the tissue compression surface of the anvil and/orthe tissue contacting surface of the tissue support are not flat. Incertain instances, the tissue compression surface of an anvil and/or thetissue contacting surface of a tissue support comprise tissue grippingmembers, or spikes, extending therefrom which are configured to engageand grip tissue. Such tissue gripping members can reduce relativemovement, or slipping, between the tissue and the anvil, for example. Inat least one instance, the density of the tissue gripping members on thetissue compression surface of the anvil and the tissue contactingsurface of the tissue support is the same. In other instances, thedensity of the tissue gripping members on the tissue contacting surfaceof the tissue support is higher than the density of the tissue grippingmembers on the compression surface of the anvil. As the tissue supportis positioned radially inwardly with respect to the compression surfaceof the anvil, the tissue gripping members can prevent the tissue fromflowing or sliding radially inwardly in such an instance.

An anvil 6520 is disclosed in FIG. 95. The anvil 6520 comprises a tissuecompression surface 6522 and, in addition, forming pockets defined inthe tissue compression surface 6522 which are configured to deformstaples into a desired configuration when the staples are ejected fromtheir staple cartridge. Each forming pocket comprises a pair of cups,wherein each pair of cups is configured to deform the legs of a staple.For example, a pair of forming cups can include a first forming cup 6530a configured to deform the first leg of a staple and a second formingcup 6530 b configured to deform the second leg of the staple. The firstforming cup 6530 a and the second forming cup 6530 b are mirror imagesof one another with respect an axis 6531 extending between the firstforming cup 6530 a and the second forming cup 6530 b; however, otherarrangements can be utilized.

The first forming cup 6530 a comprises a first, or outer, end 6532 and asecond, or inner, end 6534. The first forming cup 6530 a furthercomprises a bottom, or bathtub, surface 6536 extending between the outerend 6532 and the inner end 6534. The first end 6532 is configured toreceive the leg of a staple and begin the forming process of the leg.The first end 6532 comprises a curved surface configured to deflect thestaple leg toward the second end 6534. The bottom surface 6536 comprisesa curved, or concave, surface configured to at least partially turn thestaple leg back toward the staple cartridge. The second end 6534comprises a curved surface which is configured to guide the staple legout of the forming cup 6530 a.

The second forming cup 6530 b comprises a similar construction to thatof the first forming cup 6530 a and is configured to deform a second legof the staple. As a result of the above, the first forming cup 6530 aguides the first leg of the staple toward the second leg and the secondforming cup 6530 b guides the second leg of the staple toward the firstleg. In various instances, the first forming cup 6530 a and the secondforming cup 6530 b co-operate to deform the staple into a B-shapedconfiguration, for example; however, the forming cups can be configuredto deform a staple into any suitable configuration.

Referring primarily to FIG. 96, each forming cup 6530 (6530 a and 6530b) comprises a first lateral sidewall 6537 and a second lateral sidewall6539 extending between the first end 6532 and the second end 6534. Invarious instances, the first lateral sidewall 6537 and the secondlateral sidewall 6539 are mirror images of one another with respect to alongitudinal axis 6533 extending through the center of the forming cup6530. In other instances, the first lateral sidewall 6537 and the secondlateral sidewall 6539 are not mirror images of each other. In eitherevent, the sidewalls 6537, 6539 are sloped or inclined so as to guidethe staple leg toward the center of the forming cup, i.e., toward theaxis 6533, for example.

Each forming cup 6530 comprises a groove or channel 6538 defined in thebottom surface 6536 thereof. The groove 6538 extends longitudinallybetween the first end 6532 and the second end 6534 of the forming cup6530. The groove 6538 extends parallel to, and laterally offset withrespect to, a central longitudinal axis 6535 of the forming cup 6530.The groove 6538 is wider than the leg of the staple that is deformed bythe forming cup 6530; however, other embodiments are envisioned in whichthe groove 6538 is narrower than the leg of the staple. In either event,the groove 6538 is configured to guide the staple leg along apredetermined path within the forming cup 6530.

In various instances, the grooves of the forming cups 6530 areconfigured to twist the legs of the staple while the legs are beingdeformed. In at least one instance, a staple is planar, or at leastsubstantially planar, before it is deformed. In at least one suchinstance, the legs and the base of the staple lie in the same planewhich is aligned with the longitudinal axis 6535 when the staple isejected from the staple cartridge. The first ends 6532 and the bottomsurfaces 6536 are sloped and/or otherwise configured to guide the legstoward the grooves 6538 when the staple legs enter into the forming cups6530. Once the staple legs enter into the grooves 6538, the grooves 6538will twist the staple legs out of plane with the base of the staple. Asa result of the above, the unformed staple configuration is planar butthe formed staple configuration is non-planar. Other embodiments areenvisioned, however, in which a staple has a non-planar configurationbefore and after it has been deformed.

The grooves 6538 of the forming cups 6530, for a given set of formingcups 6530, are positioned on the same side of the longitudinal axis 6535and are configured to twist both of the staple legs to the same side ofthe staple base. Other embodiments, however, are envisioned in which afirst staple leg is twisted to one side of the staple base and a secondstaple leg is twisted to another side of the staple base. In at leastone such embodiment, a first groove 6538 is positioned on a first sideof the longitudinal axis 6535 that is configured to twist a first stapleleg to a first side of the staple base while a second groove 6538 ispositioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis 6535 that isconfigured to twist a second staple leg to a second side of the staplebase.

The grooves 6538 of the forming cups 6530, for a given set of formingcups 6530, are collinear, or at least substantially collinear. Otherembodiments, however, are envisioned in which the grooves 6538 arepositioned on the same side of the longitudinal axis 6535 but are notcollinear with each other. In at least one such instance, the grooves6538 are parallel to each other while, in other such instances, thegrooves 6538 are not parallel to each other.

Referring primarily to FIG. 96, the groove 6538 is deeper than thebottom surface 6536 of the forming cup 6530. Other embodiments, however,are envisioned in which the groove and the bottom surface of a formingcup have the same depth.

In various instances, the forming cups 6530 are arranged in longitudinalrows when the anvil 6520 is part of a longitudinal end effectorconfigured to apply longitudinal rows of staples. In at least one suchinstance, the grooves 6538 of the forming cups are arranged such all ofthe staples deployed by the end effector are bent out of plane in thesame direction. In other instances, the grooves 6538 are arranged in afirst longitudinal row of forming cups 6530 to bend the staple legs in afirst direction and a second longitudinal row of forming cups 6530 tobend the staple legs in a second, or different, direction. In certaininstances, the grooves 6538 are arranged to bend the legs of a firststaple in a staple row in a first direction and a second staple in thestaple row in a second, or opposite, direction.

In various instances, the forming cups 6530 are arranged in annular rowswhen the anvil 6520 is part of an annular end effector configured toapply annular rows of staples. In at least one such instance, thegrooves 6538 are positioned radially outwardly with respect to thecenter longitudinal axes 6535 of the forming cups 6530. In otherinstances, the groove 6538 are positioned radially inwardly with respectto the center longitudinal axes 6535 of the forming cups 6530. Incertain instances, the grooves 6538 are positioned radially outwardly ina first annular row of forming cups 6530 and radially inwardly in asecond annular row of forming cups 6530.

Further to the above, the forming pockets of an anvil can comprise anysuitable configuration. In at least one instance, a forming pocket cancomprise two forming cups which are mirror images of each other withrespect to a central axis. Each forming cup comprises a triangularconfiguration having an outer end and an inner end. The inner ends of apair of forming cups are adjacent to each other. The outer ends of theforming cups are wider than the inner ends and are configured to receivethe legs of a staple. Each forming cup further comprises a bottom, orbathtub, surface extending between the outer end and the inner end and,in addition, a longitudinal groove defined in the bottom surfaceconfigured to guide the staple leg within the forming cup. In at leastone instance, the longitudinal groove is centered in the bottom surfaceof the forming cup.

An end effector 7000 of a circular stapling assembly is disclosed inFIGS. 97-99. The end effector 7000 comprises a staple cartridgeincluding a deck 7030 and a cartridge body 7040. The deck 7030 comprisesa tissue compression surface 7031 and staple cavities 7032 defined inthe compression surface 7031. The staple cavities 7032 are arranged in afirst, or inner, annular row and a second, or outer, annular row. Eachstaple cavity 7032 in the inner row comprises a first staple 7070 aremovably stored therein and each staple cavity 7032 in the outer rowcomprises a second staple 7070 b removably stored therein.

The end effector 7000 further comprises staple drivers which areconfigured to push the staples out of the staple cartridge. Forinstance, the staple cartridge comprises a first annular row of stapledrivers 7060 a configured to eject the first row of staples 7070 a and asecond annular row of staple drivers 7060 b configured to eject thesecond row of staples 7070 b cartridge body 7040. The staple drivers7060 a and 7060 b are positioned within and/or aligned with the staplecavities 7032 defined in the deck 7030. The staple drivers 7060 a and7060 b are slidable within the staple cavities 7032 to eject the staples7070 a and 7070 b, respectively, from the staple cavities 7032.

The end effector 7000 further comprises an anvil 7020. The anvil 7020comprises a tissue compression surface 7021 and staple forming pockets7022 defined in the compression surface 7021. The staple forming pockets7022 are arranged in a first, or inner, annular row and a second, orouter, annular row. The staple forming pockets 7022 are aligned with thestaple cavities 7032 such that the staples 7070 a, 7070 b contact thestaple forming pockets 7022 when the staples 7070 a, 7070 b are ejectedfrom the staple cavities 7032.

The end effector 7000 further comprises a firing member 7056 configuredto lift the staple drivers 7060 a and 7060 b within the staple cavities7032 to eject the staples 7070 a and 7070 b, respectively, from thestaple cavities 7032. The firing member 7056 comprises a base 7054 and aramp 7055. The base 7054 is slidably positioned within a recess 7052defined in a firing drive 7050. The ramp 7055 is slidably positionedwithin a slot 7041 defined in the cartridge body 7040. As described ingreater detail below, the ramp 7055 is configured to slide within theslot 7041 and progressively contact the staple drivers 7060 a, 7060 b toeject the staples 7070 a, 7070 b from the staple cavities 7032.

Further to the above, the firing member 7056 is movable through a firingstroke to eject the staples 7070 a, 7070 b from the staple cavities7032. During the firing stroke, the firing member 7056 is moved along acurved, or arcuate, path which is defined by the slot 7041. Referringprimarily to FIG. 97, the slot 7041 comprises a first end 7042 and asecond end 7049 and a continuous path therebetween. The ramp 7055 of thefiring member 7056 is positioned in the first end 7042 at the beginningof the firing stroke and the second end 7049 at the end of the firingstroke. The first end 7042 of the slot 7041 is aligned with the innerrow of staple cavities 7032 and the second end 7049 of the slot 7041 isaligned with the outer row of staple cavities 7032. The slot 7041further comprises a first circumferential portion 7043 that extendsaround a central longitudinal axis 7090 extending through the endeffector 7000. The first circumferential portion 7043 of the slot 7041is aligned with and extends under the staple drivers 7060 a in the innerrow of staple cavities 7032. The ramp 7055 of the firing membersequentially engages the staple drivers 7060 a to sequentially fire thestaples 7070 a as the firing member 7056 moves through the firstcircumferential portion 7043 of the slot 7041.

The first circumferential portion 7043 is defined by a constant, or atleast substantially constant, radius of curvature about the longitudinalaxis 7090; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the radiusof curvature of the first circumferential portion 7043 is not constant.In at least one such instance, the first circumferential portion 7043comprises a spiral. Stated another way, in such an instance, the firstcircumferential portion 7043 recedes away from the longitudinal axis7090 as it extends around the longitudinal axis 7090.

The second circumferential portion 7045 of the slot 7041 is aligned withand extends under the staple drivers 7060 b in the outer row of staplecavities 7032. The ramp 7055 of the firing member sequentially engagesthe staple drivers 7060 b to sequentially fire the staples 7070 b as thefiring member 7056 moves through the second circumferential portion 7045of the slot 7041. The second circumferential portion 7045 is defined bya constant, or at least substantially constant, radius of curvatureabout the longitudinal axis 7090; however, other embodiments areenvisioned in which the radius of curvature of the secondcircumferential portion 7045 is not constant. In at least one suchinstance, the second circumferential portion 7045 comprises a spiral.Stated another way, in such an instance, the second circumferentialportion 7045 recedes away from the longitudinal axis 7090 as it extendsaround the longitudinal axis 7090.

Further to the above, the slot 7041 comprises a transition portion 7044intermediate the first circumferential portion 7043 and the secondcircumferential portion 7045. During the firing stroke, the ramp 7055slides sequentially through the first circumferential portion 7043, thetransition portion 7044, and then the second circumferential portion7045. The transition portion 7044 permits the firing member 7056 toshift between the first radius of curvature of the first staple row andthe second radius of curvature of the second staple row. In certainembodiments, a transition portion 7044 between the first circumferentialportion 7043 and the second circumferential portion 7045 may beunnecessary. In at least one such instance, the first circumferentialportion 7043 can comprise a first spiral configuration and the secondcircumferential portion 7045 can comprise a second spiral configurationwhich is aligned such that the end of the first spiral configuration isaligned with the beginning of the second spiral configuration, forexample.

The firing member 7056 is driven along its firing path by a firing drive7050. The firing drive 7050 is driven about the longitudinal axis 7090by a handcrank and/or electric motor, for example. The firing drive 7050comprises a drive recess 7052 defined therein. The base 7054 of thefiring member 7056 is positioned in the drive recess 7052. The driverecess 7052 is larger than the base 7054 of the firing member 7056 suchthat the base 7054 can move, or float, within the drive recess 7052. Thedrive recess 7052 is defined by sidewalls which limit the movement ofthe base 7054 within the recess 7052. When the firing drive 7050 isrotated about the longitudinal axis 7090, a sidewall of the drive recess7052 contacts the base 7054 and pushes the drive member 7056 through theslot 7051. As discussed above, the slot 7051 has one or more changes inits radius of curvature and, when the firing member 7056 moves throughsuch changes, the base 7054 of the firing member 7056 can slide withinthe drive recess.

As described above, the staples in the first, or inner, row of staplesare deployed sequentially and, then, the staples in the second, orouter, row of staples are deployed sequentially. Such an embodiment cancontrol the inner periphery of the colon before stapling outwardly, forexample. In other embodiments, the staples in the outer row of staplesare deployed sequentially and, then, the staples in the inner row ofstaples are deployed sequentially. Such an embodiment can establish aboundary in the colon tissue before stapling inwardly, for example.

In various instances, further to the above, the first staples 7070 a andthe second staples 7070 b have the same unformed height. In at least onesuch instance, the first staples 7070 a and the second staples 7070 bare formed to the same formed height. In other such instances, the firststaples 7070 a are formed to a first formed height and the secondstaples 7070 b can be formed to a second formed height which isdifferent than the first formed height. In at least one such instance,the first formed height of the inner row of staples is shorter than thesecond formed height of the outer row of staples. Such an arrangementcan provide for a more gradual transition between the stapled tissue andthe unstapled tissue, for example. In other instances, the first formedheight of the inner row of staples is taller than the second formedheight of the outer row of staples. Such an arrangement can allow theinnermost tissue of a stapled bowel, for example, to be more flexible,for example.

In certain instances, further to the above, the first staples 7070 ahave a first unformed height and the second staples 7070 b have a secondunformed height which is different than the first unformed height. In atleast one such instance, the first staples 7070 a and the second staples7070 b are formed to the same formed height. In other such instances,the first staples 7070 a are formed to a first formed height and thesecond staples 7070 b are formed to a second formed height which isdifferent than the first formed height.

The end effector 7000 has two annular rows of staples; however, an endeffector can have any suitable number of annular staple rows. Forexample, an end effector can have three annular rows of staples. In atleast one such instance, the staples in a first annular row can have afirst unformed staple height, the staples in a second annular row canhave a second unformed staple height, and the third staples in a thirdannular row can have a third unformed staple height. Moreover, in atleast one such instance, the staples in a first annular row can have afirst deformed staple height, the staples in a second annular row canhave a second deformed staple height, and the third staples in a thirdannular row can have a third deformed staple height.

A firing drive 7150 is depicted in FIGS. 100-105. The firing drive 7150comprises a rotatable drive shaft 7152 that is rotatable about alongitudinal axis. The firing drive 7150 further comprises a three-stagesequential driver assembly comprising a first, or inner, driver 7154 a,a second, or intermediate, driver 7154 b, and a third, or outer, driver7154 c. The drive shaft 7152 comprises a drive pin 7151 extendingtherefrom. The drive pin 7151 extends through a drive slot in each ofthe drivers 7154 a, 7154 b, and 7154 c. For instance, the first driver7154 a comprises a first drive slot 7153 a defined therein, the seconddriver 7154 b comprises a second drive slot 7153 b defined therein, andthe third driver 7154 c comprises a third drive slot 7153 c definedtherein. The drive slots 7153 a, 7153 b, and 7153 c do not have the sameconfiguration; however, the drive slots 7153 a, 7153 b, and 7153 c haveoverlapping configurations that are aligned, or at least substantiallyaligned, with each other at the drive pin 7151. For instance, the drivepin 7151 is in an unfired position in FIG. 100 and the drive slots 7153a, 7153 b, and 7153 c are aligned with the drive pin 7151.

Further to the above, FIG. 100 illustrates drivers 7154 a, 7154 b, and7154 c in an unfired position. When the drive shaft 7152 is rotatedthrough a first portion of its firing stroke, referring now to FIG. 101,the drive pin 7151 is rotated through a circumferential path where thedrive pin 7151 engages a sidewall of the drive slot 7153 a and pushes,or cams, the first driver 7154 a distally. Notably, the drive pin 7151has not driven the drivers 7154 b and 7154 c distally during the firstportion of the firing stroke. As can be seen in FIG. 100, the driveslots 7153 b and 7153 c are aligned with the circumferential path of thedrive pin 7151 throughout the first portion of the firing stroke. Thefirst driver 7154 a is configured to fire a first annular row of stapleswhen the first driver 7154 a is displaced distally.

When the drive shaft 7152 is rotated through a second portion of itsfiring stroke, referring now to FIG. 102, the drive pin 7151 is rotatedthrough a circumferential path where the drive pin 7151 engages asidewall of the drive slot 7153 b and pushes, or cams, the second driver7154 b distally. Notably, the drive pin 7151 has not driven the driver7154 c distally during the second portion of the firing stroke. Similarto the above, the drive slots 7153 a and 7153 c are aligned with thecircumferential path of the drive pin 7151 throughout the second portionof the firing stroke. The second driver 7154 b is configured to fire asecond annular row of staples when the second driver 7154 b is displaceddistally.

When the drive shaft 7152 is rotated through a third portion of itsfiring stroke, referring now to FIG. 103, the drive pin 7151 is rotatedthrough a circumferential path where the drive pin 7151 engages asidewall of the drive slot 7153 c and pushes, or cams, the third driver7154 c distally. Similar to the above, the drive slots 7153 a and 7153 bare aligned with the circumferential path of the drive pin 7151throughout the third portion of the firing stroke. The third driver 7154c is configured to deploy a cutting member when the third driver 7154 cis displaced distally; however, in certain embodiments, the third driver7154 c can deploy a third row of staples, for example.

As a result of the above, there is no overlap between the first staplefiring stage, the second staple firing stage, and the tissue cuttingstage. They are timed sequentially. Accordingly, the forces required todeform the staples and cut the tissue are spread out throughout thefiring stroke. Moreover, the firing drive 7150 cannot cut the tissueuntil the tissue has been stapled. Various alternative embodiments areenvisioned in which there is some overlap between the first staplefiring stage, the second staple firing stage, and/or the tissue cuttingstage. In at least one such embodiment, the configurations of the driveslots 7153 a, 7153 b, and 7153 c can be adapted such that there is apartial overlap in the movement of the first driver 7154 a and thesecond driver 7154 b and/or a partial overlap in the movement of thesecond driver 7154 b and the third driver 7154 c.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 103 and 104, the drivers 7154 a, 7154 b,and 7154 c comprise co-operating features which prevent, or at leastinhibit, the drivers 7154 a, 7154 b, and 7154 c from rotating relativeto one another. For instance, the first driver 7154 a comprises alongitudinal key 7155 a positioned in a longitudinal slot 7156 b definedin the second driver 7154 b. The key 7155 a and the slot 7156 b areconfigured to permit the first driver 7154 a to slide longitudinallyrelative to the second driver 7154 b but block rotational movementbetween the first driver 7154 a and the second driver 7154 b. Similarly,the second driver 7154 b comprises a longitudinal key 7155 b positionedin a longitudinal slot 7156 c defined in the third driver 7154 c. Thekey 7155 b and the slot 7156 c are configured to permit the seconddriver 7154 b to slide longitudinally relative to the third driver 7154c but block rotational movement between the second driver 7154 b and thethird driver 7154 c.

In order to retract the drivers 7154 a, 7154 b, and 7154 c, the driveshaft 7152 is rotated in an opposite direction. In such instances, thedrive shaft 7152 sequentially engages a sidewall of the drive slot 7153c, a sidewall of the drive slot 7153 b, and then a sidewall of the driveslot 7153 a to return the third driver 7154 c, the second driver 7154 b,and the first driver 7154 a back to their unfired positions (FIG. 100).

A firing drive 7250 is illustrated in FIG. 106. The firing drive 7250operates in a similar manner to that of the firing drive 7150. Thefiring drive 7250 comprises a drive shaft 7252 which is rotatable abouta longitudinal axis. The drive shaft 7252 comprises a cam surface, orramp, 7256 which is rotated through several stages of a firing stroke.The firing drive 7250 further comprises a first driver 7254 a, a seconddriver 7254 b, and a third driver 7254 c which are engaged by the cam7256 of the drive shaft 7252 when the firing drive 7250 is rotated. Inthe first stage of the firing stroke, the cam 7256 engages a cam surface7255 a defined on the first driver 7254 a and drives the first driver7254 a distally. In the second stage of the firing stroke, the cam 7256engages a cam surface 7255 b defined on the second driver 7254 b anddrives the second driver 7254 b distally and, in the third stage of thefiring stroke, the cam 7256 engages a cam surface 7255 c defined on thethird driver 7254 c and drives the third driver 7254 c distally.

The first cam surface 7255 a is shorter than the second cam surface 7255b and, as a result, the first driver 7254 a has a shorter firing strokethan the second driver 7254 b. Similarly, the second cam surface 7255 bis shorter than the third cam surface 7255 c and, as a result, thesecond driver 7254 b has a shorter firing stroke than the third driver7254 c. Such an arrangement may be useful to form different rows ofstaples to different formed heights, for example. In other embodiments,the drivers 7254 a, 7254 b, and 7254 c may have any suitable firingstroke. In at least one embodiment, the drivers 7254 a, 7254 b, and 7254c have the same firing stroke, for example. Such an arrangement may beuseful to form different rows of staples to the same formed height, forexample.

FIG. 107 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple cartridge 4410for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument in accordance withat least one embodiment. A variety of circular surgical staplinginstruments are known. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGCONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses variouscircular surgical stapling instrument arrangements. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/498,070, filed Sep. 26, 2014, entitled CIRCULARFASTENER CARTRIDGES FOR APPLYING RADIALLY EXPANDING FASTENER LINES, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinalso discloses various circular surgical stapler arrangements. Asdiscussed in those references, a circular surgical stapler generallycomprises a frame assembly that comprises an attachment portion that isconfigured to operably couple an anvil to the circular surgical stapler.

In general, the anvil includes an anvil head that supports an annularline or lines of staple-forming pockets. An anvil stem or trocar portionis attached to the anvil head and is configured to be removably coupledto the anvil attachment portion of the circular stapling instrument.Various circular surgical stapling instruments include means forselectively moving the anvil toward and away from the surgical staplecartridge such that the target tissue may be clamped between the anviland the deck of the surgical staple cartridge. The surgical staplecartridge removably stores a plurality of surgical staples therein thatare arranged in one or more annular arrays that correspond to thearrangement of staple forming pockets provided in the anvil. The staplesare removably stored within corresponding staple cavities that areformed in the staple cartridge and are supported on correspondingportions of a selectively movable pusher assembly that is operablyreceived within the circular stapler. The circular stapler furtherincludes an annular knife or cutting member that is configured to incisethe tissue that is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Referring again to FIG. 107, the staple cartridge 4410 comprises acartridge body 4411 that defines an annular cartridge deck surface 4412.The cartridge body 4411 comprises an inner annular row 4420 of spacedinner staple cavities 4422 and an outer annular row 4440 of spaced outerstaple cavities 4442. The inner staple cavities 4422 are staggeredrelative to the outer spaced staple cavities 4442 as can be seen in FIG.107. Supported within each inner staple cavity 4422 is an inner surgicalstaple 4430 and supported within each outer staple cavity 4442 is anouter surgical staple 4450. The outer staples 4450 in the outer annularrow 4440 may have different characteristics than the inner staples 4430in the inner annular row 4420. For example, as illustrated in theembodiment of FIG. 108, the outer staples 4450 have an unformed“gullwing” configuration. In particular, each outer staple 4450 includesa pair of legs 4454, 4464 that extend from a staple crown 4452. Each leg4454, 4464 includes a vertical portion 4456, 4466, respectively thatextends from the crown 4452. The vertical portions 4456, 4466 may beparallel to each other in one embodiment. However, in the illustratedarrangement, the vertical portions 4456, 4466 are not parallel to eachother. For example, the angle A₁ between the crown 4452 and the verticalportions 4456, 4466 in the illustrated arrangement is greater thanninety degrees. See FIG. 108. Further details regarding the stapleconfiguration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISINGNON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0297232, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. However, other the vertical portions 4456, 4466 may bearranged at other angles with respect to the crown 4452. One advantageof having the vertical leg portions 4456, 4466 oriented at anglesgreater than ninety degrees relative to the crown 4452 is that sucharrangement may assist in the temporary retention of the staple withinits corresponding staple cavity.

At least one leg 4454, 4464 includes an inwardly extending end portion.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 108 for example, each leg 4454, 4464includes an inwardly extending leg portion. In the illustratedarrangement, leg portion 4458 extends inwardly from the vertical legportion 4456 and the leg portion 4468 extends inwardly from the verticalleg portion 4466. As can be seen in FIG. 108, the leg portion 4458 isshorter than the leg portion 4468. Stated another way, the distanceH_(A) between the staple crown 4452 and the point where the leg portion4458 angles inward from the vertical leg portion 4456 is greater thanthe distance Hc between the staple crown 4452 and the point where theleg portion 4468 angles inward from the vertical leg portion 4466. Thus,distance H_(B) in at least one embodiment is shorter than the lengthH_(D). The angle A₂ at which the leg portion 4458 angles relative to thevertical leg portion 4556 may be equal to the angle A₃ at which the legportion 4468 angles relative to the vertical leg portion 4466 or anglesA₂ and A₃ may be different from each other. Further details regardingthe staple configuration may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGECOMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated by reference.

In at least one embodiment, each inner surgical staple 4430 may have theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 108. As can be seen in FIG. 108, theinner surgical staple 4430 has a crown 4432 and two vertical legs 4434,4436 extending therefrom. The vertical legs 4434, 4436 may extendrelatively perpendicularly from the crown 4432 or they may extend atangles A₄ that may be greater than ninety degrees. Such arrangement mayassist in the temporary retention of the staples 4430 within theircorresponding staple cavity 4422. However, vertical legs 4434, 4436 mayextend from the crown 4432 at different angles. In some embodiments,angles A₄ are equal to each other. In other embodiments, angles A₄ aredifferent from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the innerstaples 4430 and the outer staples 4450 each have the same unformedheight UFH. The inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 are formed fromconventional surgical staple wire. In at least one embodiment, thediameter of the staple wire used to form the outer staples 4450 isgreater than the diameter of the staple wire used to form the innerstaples 4430. In other embodiments, the inner and outer staples may havethe same diameters and be formed from wires with other diameters. Insome arrangements, the inner and outer staples may be formed from thesame type of staple wire. Thus, in such arrangement, the wire diametersof the inner and outer staples would be the same. In yet anotherembodiment, however, the inner and outer staples may have the sameunformed shapes/configurations, yet be formed from two different staplewires that have different wire diameters. Also in at least onearrangement, the crown width CW_(O) of each outer staple 4450 is largerthan the crown width CW_(I) of each inner staple 4430. Further detailsregarding the staple configuration may be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/319,008, filed Jun. 30, 2014, entitled FASTENERCARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0297232, which has been herein incorporated byreference.

Returning to FIG. 107, the staple cartridge 4410 includes an outer rim4414 that extends above the deck surface 4412. During surgery, theclinician can adjust the location of the anvil relative to the cartridgeof a circular stapler. In at least one such embodiment, the staplecartridge 4410 further comprises deck features 4416 and 4418 that extendfrom the deck surface 4412. As can be seen in FIG. 107, a series ofinner deck features 4416 are provided between the inner row 4420 ofstaple cavities 4422 and a centrally-disposed knife opening 4413 throughwhich the knife or cutting member will pass during the firing process.The deck features 4416 may be shaped and located relative to the innerstaple cavities and opening 4413 as shown in FIGS. 107, 109 and 110. Forexample, each inner deck feature 4416 may have a flat wall portion 4415that is coextensive with the wall of the knife opening 4413 and aconical or sloping body portion 4417 that is adjacent to the row ofinner staple cavities 4422. See FIGS. 109 and 110. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 107, the deck features 4416 are oriented in the gapbetween two adjacent inner staple cavities 4422 and are staggeredbetween pairs of staple cavities 4422 as shown. The cavity extensionarrangements or deck features in this system may serve to lower pressurethat is commonly encountered in flat deck cartridges. This disclosedarrangement may also help to mitigate tissue movement and slippage.Since slippage of the tissue is generally undesirable, the outsidediameter holding features may be bigger and more numerous. The internaldiameter features may serve to increase tissue tension/shear as theblade passes next to the inside internal diameter which may make thesystem cut better. However, the deck features 4416 may have differentshapes and configurations and may be located in different locations onthe deck surface 4412.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 107, 109 and 110, every other outer staplecavity 4442 includes an outer deck feature 4418 that is associated witheach end thereof. Outer deck features 4418 extend above the deck surface4412 and guide the outer staples 4450 toward the anvil when the staples4450 are being ejected from the staple cartridge 4410. In suchembodiments, the outer staples 4450 may not extend above the outer deckfeatures 4418 until they are moved toward the anvil by the firingmember. Referring primarily to FIG. 107, in at least one embodiment, theouter deck features 4418 do not extend around the entirety of thecorresponding outer staple cavity 4442. A first outer deck feature 4418is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding outer cavity 4442and a second outer deck feature 4418 is positioned adjacent a second endof the outer cavity 4442. As can be seen in FIG. 107, the outer deckfeatures 4418 are associated with every other one of the outer staplecavities 4442. Such arrangement may serve to lower overall pressure andminimize tissue stretch and movement. In other embodiments, first andsecond outer deck features 4418 may be associated with every one of theouter staple cavities 4442, however. In yet other embodiments, an outerdeck feature may extend around the entire perimeter of a correspondingouter cavity. As can be seen in FIG. 109, the inner deck features 4416are shorter than the outer deck features 4418. Stated another way, eachinner deck feature protrudes above the deck surface 4412 a distance thatis less than the distance that each outer deck feature 4418 protrudesabove the deck surface 4412. Each outer deck feature may protrude abovethe deck surface 4412 the same distance that the outer rim 4414protrudes above the deck surface 4412. In addition, as can also be seenin FIG. 109, each outer deck feature 4418 has a generally conical ortapered outer profile which may help to prevent tissue from snagging onthe deck features during insertion of the stapler head through apatient's colon and rectum.

The above-mentioned deck feature arrangements may provide one or moreadvantages. For example, the upstanding outer rim may help to preventtissue from sliding across the cartridge deck. This upstanding rim couldalso comprise a repeating pattern of highs and lows rather than beingone continuous lip formation. The inside upstanding features may alsohelp to retain the tissue adjacent to the blade and lead to improvedcutting. The inside deck features could be between every cavity or inalternative arrangements, the deck feature(s) may comprise onecontinuous upstanding lip. It may be desirable to balance the number ofdeck features to minimize the number of high force/compression zoneswhile attaining a desired amount of tissue immobilization. The cavityconcentric features may serve the additional purpose of minimization oftissue flow in the areas where the staple legs project from. Sucharrangements also facilitate desirable staple formation as the staplelegs eject and transition to the receiving anvil pocket which mayconsist of corresponding forming pockets. Such localized pocket featuresincrease the low compression zones while facilitating leg support fromthe cartridge as the staple exits the cartridge. This arrangementthereby minimizes the distance that the staple must “jump” before itmeets the anvil pocket. Tissue flow tends to increase going from thecenter of the cartridge radially outward. Referring to FIG. 118, theimproved standing outside row extensions have a tendency to stage tissueas they are inserted up through the colon because it is a tube.

FIGS. 109 and 110 illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge 4410in connection with an anvil 4480. The anvil 4480 comprises an anvil headportion 4482 that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion4484 and a knife washer 4490. The knife washer 4490 is supported inconfronting relationship to the knife 4492 that is supported in thestapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert4484 is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. andcontains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets 4486 and an outerrow of outer staple forming pockets 4488. Each inner staple formingpocket 4486 corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities 4422 andeach outer staple forming pocket 4488 corresponds to one of the outerstaple cavities 4442. In the illustrated arrangement, when the anvil4480 is moved to its firing position relative to the cartridge decksurface 4412, the inner staple forming pockets 4486 are closer to thecartridge deck surface 4412 than are the outer staple forming pockets4488. Stated another way, the first gap g₁ or first staple formingdistance between a first staple forming portion 4485 and the cartridgedeck surface 4412 is less than the second gap g₂ or second stapleforming distance between a second staple forming portion 4487 and thecartridge deck surface 4412.

As can be further seen in FIGS. 109 and 110, the inner staples 4430 areeach supported within their corresponding inner staple cavity 4422 on acorresponding inner driver portion 4502 of a pusher assembly 4500 andeach of the outer staples 4450 are supported within their correspondingouter staple cavity 4442 on a corresponding outer driver portion 4504.Advancement of the pusher assembly 4500 toward the anvil 4480 will causethe inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 to be driven into forming contactwith their respective corresponding staple forming pockets 4486, 4488 asshown in FIG. 110. In addition, the knife 4492 is advanced distallythrough the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 4480 and the decksurface 4412 and through a frangible bottom 4491 of the knife washer4490. Such arrangement serves to provide the outer staples 4450 with aformed height FH_(O) that is larger than the formed height FH_(I) of theinner staples 4430. Stated another way, the outer row 4440 of outerstaples 4450 are formed into a larger “B” formation resulting in agreater capture volume and/or taller staple forming height to alleviatehigh tissue compression near the outer row of staples 4440. A larger Bformation may also improve blood flow toward the inner rows. In variousinstances, the outer row 4440 of outer staples 4450 comprise a greaterresistance to unfolding by utilizing a larger staple crown, staple legwidths, and/or staple leg thicknesses.

The quantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary. In oneembodiment, for example, there are more outer staples 4450 than thereare inner staples 4430. Another embodiment employs more inner staples4430 than outer staples 4450. In various instances, the wire diameter ofthe outer staples 4450 is larger than the wire diameter of the innerstaples 4430. The inner and outer staples 4430, 4450 may have the sameunformed heights UFH. The crown widths CW_(O) in the outer row 4440 ofouter staples 4450 are larger than the crown widths CW_(I) of the innerrow 4420 of inner staples 4430. The gullwing configuration of the outerstaples 4450 employs bends that are located at different distances fromtheir respective crown. Use of the stepped anvil configuration with aflat (unstepped) cartridge deck surface 4412 with uniform driver orpusher travel yield staples with different formed heights.

FIG. 111 illustrates another staple cartridge embodiment 4610. As can beseen in FIG. 111, the staple cartridge 4610 includes a cartridge deck4612 that includes an inner annular row 4620 of spaced inner staplecavities 4622 and an outer annular row 4640 of outer spaced staplecavities 4642. The inner staple cavities 4622 are staggered relative tothe outer spaced staple cavities 4642 as can be seen in FIG. 111.Supported within each inner staple cavity 4622 is an inner surgicalstaple 4630 and supported within each outer staple cavity 4642 is anouter surgical staple 4650. In addition, an outer rim 4614 extends abovethe deck surface 4612. In various embodiments, further to the above, thestaples 4630, 4650 do not protrude above the deck surface 4612 untilthey are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. Such embodimentsmay frequently utilize small staples relative to the depth of theirrespective staple cavity in which they are stored. In other embodiments,the legs of the staples protrude above the deck surface 4612 when thestaples are in their unfired positions. In at least one such embodiment,the staple cartridge 4610 further comprises deck features 4616 and 4618that extend from the deck surface 4612.

As can also be seen in FIG. 111, every other inner staple cavity 4622includes an inner deck feature 4616 that is associated with each endthereof. Inner deck features 4616 extend above the deck surface 4612 andguide the corresponding inner staples 4630 toward the anvil when thecorresponding inner staples 4630 are being ejected from the staplecartridge 4610. In such embodiments, the inner staples 4630 may notextend above the inner deck features 4616 until they are moved towardthe anvil by the firing member. In the illustrated example, the innerdeck features 4616 do not extend around the entirety of thecorresponding inner staple cavity 4622. A first inner deck feature 4616is positioned adjacent a first end of a corresponding inner cavity 4622and a second inner deck feature 4616 is positioned adjacent a second endof the inner cavity 4622. In other embodiments, the inner deck features4416 may be associated with every one of the inner staple cavities 4622,however. In yet other embodiments, an inner deck feature may extendaround the entire perimeter of a corresponding inner staple cavity. Byemploying deck features that have different heights in concentricpatterns wherein they are associated with every other cavity may providemore lower pressure tissue gap areas, while balancing them with thedesire to guide as many and as much of the staple leg for as long aspossible. Stated another way, such arrangement may minimize the amountof tissue flow reducing the overall amount of pressure applied to thetarget tissue.

Still referring to FIG. 111, each outer staple cavity 4642 includes anouter deck feature 4618 that is associated with each end thereof. Outerdeck features 4618 extend above the deck surface 4612 and guide theouter staples 4650 toward the anvil when the staples 4650 are beingejected from the staple cartridge 4610. In such embodiments, the outerstaples 4650 may not extend above the outer deck features 4618 untilthey are moved toward the anvil by the firing member. As can be seen inFIG. 111, in the illustrated example, the outer deck features 4618 donot extend around the entirety of the corresponding outer staple cavity4642. A first outer deck feature 4618 is positioned adjacent a first endof a corresponding outer cavity 4642 and a second outer deck feature4618 is positioned adjacent a second end of the outer cavity 4642. Ascan be seen in FIG. 111, outer deck features 4618 are associated withevery one of the outer staple cavities 4642. In other embodiments, firstand second outer deck features 4618 may be associated with every otherone of the outer staple cavities 4642, however. In yet otherembodiments, an outer deck feature may extend around the entireperimeter of a corresponding outer cavity. As can be seen in FIGS. 112and 113, the inner deck features 4616 and the outer deck features 4618extend above the deck surface 4612 the same distance. Stated anotherway, they have the same heights. In addition, as can also be seen inFIGS. 112 and 113, each inner deck feature 4416 and each outer deckfeature 4618 has a generally conical or tapered outer profile which mayhelp to prevent tissue from snagging on the deck features duringinsertion of the stapler head through a patient's colon and rectum.

FIGS. 112 and 113 illustrate use of the surgical staple cartridge 4610in connection with an anvil 4680. The anvil 4680 comprises an anvil headportion 4682 that operably supports a staple forming insert or portion4684 and a knife washer 4690. The knife washer 4690 is supported inconfronting relationship to a knife 4692 that is supported in thestapler head. In the illustrated embodiment, the staple forming insert4684 is fabricated from, for example, steel, stainless steel, etc. andcontains an inner row of inner staple forming pockets 4686 and an outerrow of outer staple forming pockets 4688. Each inner staple formingpocket 4686 corresponds to one of the inner staple cavities 4622 andeach outer staple forming pocket 4688 corresponds to one of the outerstaple cavities 4642. In the illustrated arrangement, the inner stapleforming pockets 4686 are located the same distance g₁ from the decksurface 4612 as are the outer staple forming pockets 4688.

As can be further seen in FIGS. 112 and 113, an inner staple 4630 issupported within a corresponding inner staple cavity 4622 on acorresponding inner driver portion 4702 of a pusher assembly 4700. Anouter staple 4650 is supported within a corresponding outer staplecavity 4642 on a corresponding outer driver portion 4704. Advancement ofthe pusher assembly 4700 toward the anvil 4680 will cause the inner andouter staples 4630, 4650 to be driven into forming contact with theirrespective corresponding staple forming pockets 4686, 4688 as shown inFIG. 113. In addition, the knife 4692 is advanced distally through thetissue that is clamped between the anvil 4680 and the deck surface 4612and through a frangible bottom 4691 of the knife washer 4690. In theexample illustrated in FIGS. 112 and 113, each inner staple 4630 isformed from a first staple wire that has a first wire diameter D₁ andhas a first unformed height L₁. For example, the first wire diameter D₁may be approximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually 0.0089″,0.0094″, and 0.00145″) and the first unformed height L₁ may beapproximately 0.198″-0.250″. Each outer staple 4650 is formed from asecond staple wire that has a second wire diameter D₂ and has a secondunformed height L₂. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 112 and 113,D₁<D₂ and L₁<L₂. However, as can be seen in FIG. 113, the inner andouter staples 4630, 4650 are formed with the same formed heights FH's.The thicker wire staples on the outside tend to provide high tear andburst strengths as compared to the inside row of smaller diameterstaples which tend to hold better hemostatically. Stated another way,the tighter inside rows of staples may hold better hemostatically whilethe outer rows of less compressed staples may facilitate better healingand blood flow. In addition, the staples with longer legs, even whenformed at the same heights as staples with shorter legs, may ensure moreB-bending which may make the longer legged staples stronger and morelikely to be properly formed enough to hold in high load conditions. Thequantity of staples used in each row of staples can vary. In oneembodiment, for example, the inner row 4620 has the same number of innerstaples 4630 as does the outer row 4640 of outer staples 4650. Invarious arrangements, the crown widths of the staples 4650 is largerthan the crown widths of the inner staples 4630. In other embodiments,the staples 4630, 4650 may have identical crown widths. In otherarrangements, the staples 4630, 4650 may be of the gullwing designdescribed above. For example, at least one leg of the staple may includean end portion that is bent inwardly or both legs may include endportions that are bent inwardly toward each other. Such staples may beemployed in the inner annular row or the outer annular row or in both ofthe inner and outer annular rows.

FIG. 114 illustrates another circular staple cartridge embodiment 4810that includes a cartridge deck 4812 that includes three annular rows4820, 4840, 4860 of spaced staple cavities. The inner or first row 4820contains a first plurality of inner or first staple cavities 4822 thatare each arranged at a first angle. Each inner staple cavity 4822operably supports a corresponding inner or first staple 4830 therein.The inner cavities 4822 orient the first staples 4830 at the sameuniform angle relative to the tangential direction. In the illustratedexample, each inner staple 4830 is formed from a first staple wire thathas a first staple diameter D₁. In one example, the first staple wirediameter D₁ may be approximately 0.0079″-0.015″ (increments are usually0.0089″, 0.0094″, and 0.00145″). Referring to FIG. 117, each innerstaple 4830 includes a first crown 4832 and two first legs 4834. Thefirst crown has a first crown width C₁ and each first leg 4834 has afirst unformed leg length L₁. In one example, the first crown width C₁may be approximately 0.100″-0.300″ and the first unformed leg length L₁may be approximately 0.198″-0.250″. The first legs 4834 may be eacharranged at an angle A₁ relative to the first staple crown 4832. Theangle A₁ may be approximately 90° or it may be slightly greater than 90°such that the first legs 4834 are slightly splayed outward to assist inretaining the first staple 4830 in its corresponding first staple cavity4822.

Turning to FIGS. 115 and 116, the staple cartridge 4810 is intended tobe used in connection with an anvil 4900 that includes two inner orfirst rows 4902 of staggered or angled first pairs 4903 of first stapleforming pockets 4904. Each first pair 4903 of first staple formingpockets 4904 correspond to one first staple 4830. One first stapleforming pocket 4904 corresponds to one first staple leg 4834 and theother first staple forming pocket 4904 of the pair 4903 corresponds tothe other first staple leg 4834. Such arrangement serves to establish aformed staple configuration wherein the first staple legs 4834 of afirst staple 4830 are formed out of plane with the first crown 4832 ofthat particular first staple 4830 such that one first leg 4834 is formedon one side of the first crown 4832 and the other first leg 4834 isformed on the other side of the first crown 4832. This“three-dimensional” formed staple configuration is shown with respect tosome of the first staple forming pockets 4904 in FIG. 115.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 116, the cartridge deck 4812 isof “stepped” construction. The cartridge deck 4812 includes an inner orfirst cartridge deck portion 4814 that corresponds to the inner or firstannular row 4820 of inner or first staple cavities 4822. As can befurther seen in FIG. 116, when the anvil 4900 is moved to the closed orclamping position, the portion of the anvil 4900 containing the firststaple forming pockets 4904 is spaced from the deck portion 4814 a firstgap distance g₁.

Referring again to FIGS. 114, 116 and 117, the middle or second row 4840contains a second plurality of middle or second staple cavities 4842that are each arranged at a second angle. Each middle staple cavity 4842operably supports a corresponding middle or second staple 4850 therein.The middle cavities 4842 orient the middle or second staples 4850 at thesame uniform second angle relative to the tangential direction. However,the second angle differs from the first angle. Stated another way, whenthe first and second staples are supported in their respective first andsecond cavities, the axis of the first crown of each first staple 4830,when extended, would ultimately intersect the extended axis of thesecond crown of an adjacent second staple 4850. As can be seen in FIGS.116 and 117, each second or middle staple 4850 comprises a second staplecrown or base 4852 and two second legs 4854. The staple base 4852 mayhave a somewhat rectangular cross-sectional shape and be formed from aflat sheet of material. The second staple legs 4854 may have a roundcross-sectional profile, for example. The second or middle staples maycomprise various staple configurations disclosed in, for example, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS, which has been herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Having round staple legs that extend from a staple baseportion having the rectangular cross-sectional profile can provide astaple base portion and staple legs with no preferential bending planes.The second staple 4850 comprises bend portions 4856 where the staplelegs 4854 extend from the staple base portion 4852. The bend portions4856 may comprise a substantially square cross-sectional profile. Thesquare profile and the rectangular profile of the bend portions 4856 andthe staple base portion 4852, respectively, provide a stiff connectionand backbone to the round staple legs 4854. The round staple legs 4854eliminate preferential bending planes that staple legs with a square,rectangular, or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape,cross-sections could have. Each of the second staple legs 4854 has asecond diameter D₂. In at least one embodiment, D₂>D₁. The second baseor crown 4852 has a second crown width C₂. In one arrangement, C₂>C₁.The second legs 4854 may be each arranged at an angle A₂ relative to thesecond base or crown 4852. The angle A₂ may be approximately 90° or itmay be slightly greater than 90° such that the second legs 4854 areslightly splayed outward to assist in retaining the second staple 4850in its corresponding second staple cavity 4842.

Turning to FIGS. 115 and 116, the anvil 4900 further comprises twomiddle or second rows 4912 of staggered or angled second pairs 4913 ofsecond staple forming pockets 4914. Each second pair 4913 of secondstaple forming pockets 4914 correspond to one second staple 4850. Onesecond staple forming pocket 4914 corresponds to one second staple leg4854 and the other second staple forming pocket 4914 of the pair 4913corresponds to the other second staple leg 4854. Such arrangement servesto establish a formed staple configuration wherein the second legs 4854are formed out of plane with the second base 4852 of the particularsecond staple 4850. This “three-dimensional” formed staple configurationis shown with respect to some of the second staple forming pockets 4914in FIG. 115.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 116, the cartridge deck 4812further comprises a second cartridge deck portion 4816 that correspondsto the middle or second annular row 4840 of middle or second staplecavities 4842. As can be further seen in FIG. 116, when the anvil 4900is moved to the closed or clamping position, the portion of the anvil4900 containing the second staple forming pockets 4914 is spaced fromthe deck portion 4816 a second gap distance g₂. In the illustratedexample, g₂>g₁.

Referring again to FIGS. 114, 116 and 117, the outside or third row 4860contains a third plurality of outside or third staple cavities 4862 thatare sized relative to the second staple cavities 4842 such that eachouter or third staple cavity 4862 spans a distance between two adjacentsecond cavities 4842. Each outer staple cavity 4862 operably supports acorresponding outer or third staple 4870 therein. The outer cavities4862 orient the outer or third staples 4870 tangent to thecircumferential direction. As can be seen in FIGS. 116 and 117, eachthird or outer staple 4870 comprises a third staple crown or base 4872and two third legs 4874. The staple base 4872 may have a somewhatrectangular cross-sectional shape and be formed from a flat sheet ofmaterial. The third staple legs 4874 may have a round cross-sectionalprofile, for example. The third or outer staples 4870 may comprisevarious staple configurations disclosed in, for example, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/836,110, filed Aug. 26, 2015, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,which has been herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Havinground staple legs that extend from a staple base portion having therectangular cross-sectional profile can provide a staple base portionand staple legs with no preferential bending planes. The third staple4870 comprises bend portions 4876 where the staple legs 4874 extend fromthe staple base portion 4872. The bend portions 4876 may comprise asubstantially square cross-sectional profile. The square profile and therectangular profile of the bend portions 4876 and the staple baseportion 4872, respectively, provide a stiff connection and backbone tothe round staple legs 4874. The round staple legs 4874 eliminatepreferential bending planes that staple legs with a square, rectangular,or any shape with vertices or a non-uniform shape, cross-sections couldhave. In at least one embodiment, D₃>D₂. The third base or crown 4872has a third crown width C₃ and each third leg 4874 has a third unformedleg length L₃. In one arrangement, C₃>C₂ and L₃>L₂. The third legs 4874may be each arranged at an angle A₃ relative to the third base or crown4872. The angle A₃ may be approximately 90° or it may be slightlygreater than 90° such that the third legs 4874 are slightly splayedoutward to assist in retaining the third staple 4870 in itscorresponding third staple cavity 4862.

Turning to FIGS. 115 and 116, the anvil 4900 further comprises an outerrow 4916 of outer or third staple forming pockets 4918. Each thirdstaple forming pocket 4918 corresponds to one third staple 4870. As canbe most particularly seen in FIG. 116, the cartridge deck 4812 furthercomprises a third cartridge deck portion 4818 that corresponds to theouter or third row 4860 of outer or third staple cavities 4862. As canbe further seen in FIG. 116, when the anvil 4900 is moved to the closedor clamping position, the portion of the anvil 4900 containing the thirdstaple forming pockets 4918 is spaced from the deck portion 4818 a thirdgap distance g₃. In the illustrated example, g₃>g₂. As can be furtherseen in FIG. 116, in at least one embodiment, a tissue thicknesscompensator 4920 is employed in connection with each outer or thirdstaple 4870. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a wovenmaterial that is embedded with oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) topromote hemostasis. The tissue thickness compensator 4920 may compriseany of the various tissue thickness compensator arrangements disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,389, filed Feb. 24, 2014,entitled IMPLANTABLE LAYER ASSEMBLIES, U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0238187, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 116, the tissuethickness compensator 4920 has a thickness designated as “a”. In oneembodiment, the tissue thickness compensator has a thickness ofapproximately 0.015″-0.045″. However, other thicknesses may be employed.

Thus, in at east one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 114-117, the staplecartridge 4810 may employ a different number of staples in each of thethree rows of staples. In one arrangement, the inner row of staplescomprises conventional staples with the smallest wire diameter and theshortest unformed leg length. Each first staple has the shortest crownwidth and each first staple is oriented at a uniform angle relative tothe tangential direction. The middle staples have a configuration thatdiffers from the first staple configuration. Each leg of the middlestaples comprises a moderate wire diameter and unformed leg length. Eachmiddle staple has a slightly larger crown width than the crown widths ofthe inner staples and each middle staple is oriented at a uniform anglerelative to the tangential direction, but at a different angle relativeto the inner row of inner staples. Each outer staple has a configurationthat is similar to the configuration of the middle staples. Each of thethird legs of each outer staple comprises the largest wire diameter ascompared to the wire diameters of the legs of the inner and middlestaples. The crown width of each outer staple is significantly largerthan the crown widths of the inner and middle staples. Each outer stapleis oriented tangentially to the circumferential direction of thecartridge. The outer row of staples employs woven tissue thicknesscompensators (spacer fabric) that is embedded with ORC to promotehemostasis. The stepped anvil and the stepped cartridge deck yielddifferent formed staple heights with the staples having the shortestformed heights being in the inner row and the staples having the longestformed heights being in the outer row. The anvil pockets correspondingto the inner and middle rows of staples are “tilted” to create threedimensional staples in the inner and middle rows. “Bathtub-type” anvilpockets correspond to the outer row of staples. In at least oneembodiment, the staples may be sequentially fired. For example, thestaples in the inner and middle rows may be fired first and the staplesin the outer row fired thereafter. The annular knife cuts the clampedtissue during the firing process.

As described in various embodiments of the present disclosure, acircular stapling instrument includes an anvil and a staple cartridge.One or both of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative tothe other between an open configuration and a closed configuration tocapture tissue therebetween. The staple cartridge houses staples inside,or at least partially inside, circular rows of staple cavities. Thestaples are deployed in circular rows from their respective staplecavities into the captured tissue and are formed against correspondingcircular rows of forming pockets in the anvil. A firing drive isconfigured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during afiring stroke of the firing drive.

An anvil of a circular stapling instrument generally comprises a tissuecompression surface and an annular array of staple forming pocketsdefined in the tissue compression surface. The anvil further comprisesan attachment mount and a stem extending from the attachment mount. Thestem is configured to be releasably attached to a closure drive of thecircular stapling instrument so that the anvil can be moved toward andaway from a staple cartridge of the circular stapling instrument.

The staple cartridge and the anvil can travel separately within apatient and are combined at the surgical field. In various instances,the staple cartridge, for example, travels through a narrow tubular bodyof the patient such as, for example, a colon. A staple cartridge mayinclude several tissue-contacting features such as, for example, steppeddecks and pocket extenders. To avoid unintentional injury to the patientas the staple cartridge travels toward a target tissue, the presentdisclosure, among other things, presents various modifications toseveral tissue-contacting features.

Referring to FIG. 118, a partial cross-sectional view depicts a staplecartridge 15500 of a circular surgical instrument pressing againsttissue (T) as the staple cartridge 15500 travels within a patient'sbody. Multiple structural features of the staple cartridge 15500 aremodified to create an especially contoured outer frame 15502 to protectthe tissue. The staple cartridge 15500 includes a plurality of annularrows of staple cavities. In at least one example, an outer row 15504 ofstaple cavities 15510 at least partially surrounds an inner row 15506 ofstaple cavities 15512, as illustrated in FIG. 118. The staple cavities15510 and 15512 are configured to house staples 15530 and 15531,respectively.

The terms inner and outer delineate a relationship with reference to acentral axis 15533. For example, an inner tissue-contacting surface15518 is closer to the central axis 15533 than outer tissue-contactingsurface 15516.

As illustrated in FIG. 119, the staple cartridge 15500 comprises astepped cartridge deck 15508. The outer row 15504 is defined in an outertissue-contacting surface 15516 of the stepped cartridge deck 15508while the inner row 15506 is defined in an inner tissue-contactingsurface 15518 of the stepped cartridge deck 15508. The outertissue-contacting surface 15516 is stepped down from the innertissue-contacting surface 15518 which creates a gradient that reducesfriction as the staple cartridge 15500 is pressed against the tissue.

In certain instances, the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516 isparallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the innertissue-contacting surface 15518. In other instances, the outertissue-contacting surface 15516 is slanted such that a first planedefined by the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516 is transverse to asecond plane defined by the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518. Anangle is defined between the first plane and the second plane. The anglecan be an acute angle. In at least one instance, the angle can be anyangle selected from a range of greater than about 0° and less than orequal to about 30°, for example. In at least one instance, the angle canbe any angle selected from a range of greater than about 5° and lessthan or equal to about 25°, for example. In at least one instance, theangle can be any angle selected from a range of greater than about 10°and less than or equal to about 20°, for example. A slanted outertissue-contacting surface 15516 can reduce friction against, or snaggingof, tissue as the staple cartridge 15500 is moved relative to thetissue. In at least one instance, a slanted outer tissue-contactingsurface 15516 is also stepped down from the inner tissue-contactingsurface 15518.

In at least one instance, an inner portion of the outertissue-contacting surface 15516 is planar, or at least substantiallyplanar while an outer edge 15548 of the outer tissue-contacting surface15516 is pitched, radiused, and/or beveled to reduce friction against,or snagging of, tissue as the staple cartridge 15500 is moved relativeto the tissue. The staple cavities 15510 reside in the planar innerportion of the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516, for example. Anouter edge 15550 of the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518 can alsobe pitched, beveled and/or radiused to reduce friction against, orsnagging of, tissue as the staple cartridge 15500 is moved relative tothe tissue.

To accommodate staples with the same, or at least substantially thesame, unformed heights in the staple cavities 15510 of the outer row15504 and the staple cavities 15512 of the inner row 15504, the staplecavities 15510 of the outer row 15504 comprise pocket extenders 15514.The pocket extenders 15514 are configured to control and guide thestaples 15530 as they are ejected from their respective staple cavities15510. In certain instances, the pocket extenders 15514 can beconfigured to accommodate staples with a greater unformed height s thatthe staples of the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 119, a staple cavity 15510 in the outer row 15504is laterally aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with a gap15520 between two adjacent staple cavities 15512 in the inner row 15506.The staple cavity 15510 includes a first end 15522 and a second end15524. The second end 15524 overlaps with a first end 15526 of one ofthe two consecutive staple cavities 15512 such that a staple leg 15530 apositioned at the second end 15524 is radially aligned, or at leastsubstantially aligned, with a staple leg 1553 la positioned at the firstend 15526, as illustrated in FIG. 118. Likewise, the first end 15522 ofthe staple cavity 15510 overlaps with a second end 15528 of the otherone of the two consecutive staple cavities 15512.

A pocket extender 15514 comprises a first jacket 15532 protruding fromthe outer tissue-contacting surface 15516 to conceal a tip 15536 of thestaple leg 15530 a that extends beyond the outer tissue-contactingsurface 15516. The first jacket 15532 comprises an end 15538 protrudingfrom the first end 15522, an inner side wall 15540 and an outer sidewall 15542 extending away from the end 15538 to form the first jacket15532. In at least one instance, the first jacket 15532 defines, or atleast substantially defines, a “C” shaped wall extending on a portion ofa perimeter 15535 of the staple cavity 15510 that comprises the firstend 15522.

To reduce friction against the tissue, the inner side wall 15540protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516 to a greaterheight than the outer side wall 15542. Said another way, the outer sidewall 15542 is lower in height than the inner side wall 15540. Thisarrangement creates a gradient for a smooth transition from the innerside wall 15540 to the outer side wall 15542 to the outertissue-contacting surface 15516. In at least one example, the inner sidewall 15540 and the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518 comprise thesame, or at least substantially the same, height with reference to theouter tissue-contacting surface 15516. Alternatively, the inner sidewall 15540 and the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518 comprisedifferent heights with reference to the outer tissue-contacting surface15516. In certain instances, the inner side wall 15540 is lower inheight relative to the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518 withreference to the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516. This arrangementcreates a gradient for a smooth transition from the innertissue-contacting surface 15518 to the inner side wall 15540 to theouter side wall 15542 to the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516.

The inner tissue-contacting surface 15518, the inner side wall 15540,the outer side wall 15542, and/or the outer tissue-contacting surface15516 define discrete portions of the contoured outer frame 15502;nonetheless, as illustrated in FIG. 118, such portions are keptsufficiently close to one another so that tissue cannot be trappedtherebetween as the staple cartridge 15500 presses against the tissue.Furthermore, one or more of the portions may include slanted, contoured,curved, radiused, and/or beveled outer surfaces to reduce frictionagainst the tissue. As illustrated in FIG. 118, an upper surface 15544of the outer side wall 15542 and an upper surface 15546 of the innerside wall 15540 are slanted, contoured, curved, radiused, and/or beveledto define the contoured outer frame 15502.

In at least one instance, the upper surface 15544 and the upper surface15546 define a slanted plane that is transverse to a first plane definedby the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516 and a second plane definedby the inner tissue-contacting surface 15518. In at least one instance,a first angle is defined between the slanted plane and the first plane.A second angle can also be defined between the slanted plane and thesecond plane. The first and second angles can be the same, or at leastsubstantially the same in value. Alternatively, the first angle can bedifferent from the second angle in value. In at least one instance, thefirst angle and/or the second angle are acute angles. In at least oneinstance, the first angle is any angle selected from a range of greaterthan about 0° and less than or equal to about 30°, for example. In atleast one instance, the first angle is any angle selected from a rangeof greater than about 5° and less than or equal to about 25°, forexample. In at least one instance, the first angle is any angle selectedfrom a range of greater than about 10° and less than or equal to about20°, for example. In at least one instance, the second angle is anyangle selected from a range of greater than about 0° and less than orequal to about 30°, for example. In at least one instance, the secondangle is any angle selected from a range of greater than about 5° andless than or equal to about 25°, for example. In at least one instance,the second angle is any angle selected from a range of greater thanabout 10° and less than or equal to about 20°, for example.

Further to the above, the pocket extender 15514 includes a second jacket15534 that is similar in many respects to the first jacket 15532. Likethe first jacket 15532, the second jacket 15534 protrudes from the outertissue-contacting surface 15516 to conceal a tip of a staple leg thatextends beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516. The secondjacket 15534 comprises an end 15538 protruding from the second end15524, an inner side wall 15540 and an outer side wall 15542 extendingfrom the end 15538 to form the second jacket 15534.

Although one pocket extender 15514 is illustrated in FIG. 119, it isunderstood that one or more other pocket extenders 15514 may protrudefrom the outer tissue-contacting surface 15516, for example. In at leastone instance, the first jacket 15532 and the second jacket 15534 areconnected via side walls to define a pocket extender that completelysurrounds a staple cavity, for example.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. FIG. 82A schematically depicts a robotic surgicalinstrument system 20′; however, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0298719, for example, discloses several examples of a roboticsurgical instrument system in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   -   European Patent Application No. EP 795298, entitled LINEAR        STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE, which was filed on Mar. 12,        1997;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,272, entitled TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 25, 1997;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED        FIRING STROKE, which issued on Dec. 16, 1997;    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0246881, entitled        METHOD FOR MAKING A SURGICAL STAPLER, which published on Nov.        10, 2005;    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0208359, entitled        METHOD FOR STAPLING TISSUE, which published on Sep. 6, 2007;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,724, entitled DISPOSABLE LINEAR SURGICAL        STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Jul. 9, 1985;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,198, entitled FAST CLOSURE DEVICE FOR LINEAR        SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Aug. 11, 1992;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,073, entitled FLEXIBLE SUPPORT SHAFT        ASSEMBLY, which issued on Apr. 11, 1995;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,297, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING        INSTRUMENT WITH SELF ADJUSTING ANVIL, which issued on Jan. 29,        2013;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,242, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR ASSURING THE PROPER SEQUENTIAL        OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, which was filed on Jul.        30, 2015;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,259, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEPARATE TISSUE SECURING AND TISSUE        CUTTING SYSTEMS, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,266, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR PERMITTING THE OPTIONAL        TRANSECTION OF TISSUE, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,274, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR BYPASSING AN OPERATIONAL STEP        OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC        DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT        HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which        issued on Feb. 21, 2006;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING        AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which        issued on Sep. 9, 2008;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS,        which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN        ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,        which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;    -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE        IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No.        7,845,537;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL        CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed        Feb. 14, 2008;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END        EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed        Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled        MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.        8,210,411;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. 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No. 13/524,049, entitled        ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE,        filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE        CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,        2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE        CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,        2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled        SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER        LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and    -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled        SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,        filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby        incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according tovarious embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiplecomponents, and multiple components may be replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoingdescription and following claims are intended to cover all suchmodification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circular staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument, wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises: an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity; a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding above the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position; an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is defined about a perimeter of the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the pocket extender comprises a jacket configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the jacket comprises: an end portion positioned about a first end of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the first end is positioned on the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity; an inner side wall extending from the end portion on a first side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a first top most surface; and an outer side wall extending from the end portion on a second side of the longitudinal axis opposite said first side, wherein the outer side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a second top most surface, and wherein the first top most surface is higher than the second top most surface.
 2. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the inner side wall, the outer side wall, and the outer tissue-contacting surface cooperate to form a sloped frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the circular staple cartridge is moved relative to the tissue.
 3. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer side wall comprises a beveled upper surface.
 4. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.
 5. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.
 6. The circular staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.
 7. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.
 8. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.
 9. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cartridge comprises: a staple driver movable between a default starting position and a fired position; an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the default starting position; an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the default starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises: an end portion positioned about a first end of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the first end is positioned on the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity; an inner side wall extending from the end portion on a first side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a first top most surface; and an outer side wall extending from the end portion on a second side of the longitudinal axis opposite the first side, wherein the outer side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a second top most surface, and wherein the first top most surface is higher than the second top most surface.
 10. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.
 11. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.
 12. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.
 13. The staple cartridge of claim 12, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.
 14. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.
 15. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.
 16. A circular surgical stapling instrument, comprising: an anvil; and a circular staple cartridge, wherein at least one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge is moveable relative to the other one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween, and wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises: a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position; a stepped cartridge deck, comprising: a first annular tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a central plane bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the central plane is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the first annular tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position; a second annular tissue-contacting surface stepped up from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface at least partially surrounds the second annular tissue-contacting surface, and wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises at least one second staple cavity; and at least one pocket extender protruding from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises: an inner side wall positioned on a first side of the central plane of the at least one first staple cavity and extending from the first annular tissue-contacting surface a first maximum height; and an outer side wall positioned on a second side of the central plane of the at least one first staple cavity opposite the first side, and wherein the outer side wall extends from the first annular tissue-contacting surface a second maximum height, and wherein the first maximum height is greater than the second maximum height.
 17. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.
 18. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.
 19. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.
 20. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.
 21. A circular staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument, wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises: a central axis; an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity; a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding above the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position; an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface is closer to the central axis of the circular staple cartridge than the outer tissue-contacting surface; and at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is defined about a perimeter of the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises: a first profile on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity; and a second profile on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the second profile is positioned farther away from the central axis of the circular staple cartridge than the first profile, and wherein the first profile and the second profile are different, and wherein the first profile extends above the outer tissue-contacting surface higher than the second profile. 